Philosophy Department

Cognitive Science

Philosophy Department Overview

Hartwick’s philosophy program acquaints students with contemporary and historical philosophical issues. Major areas of study include the investigation of how and what we can know (epistemology), reality (metaphysics) and moral standards and value theories (ethics and aesthetics). As students become more familiar with these issues, they will fortify their ability to examine, clarify, analyze — and care for — the world around them. In the course of doing so, they will learn how to carefully read a philosophical text and how to clearly articulate their thoughts on complex philosophical issues, both orally and on paper.

Please note: Hartwick College focuses on offering fall, January, and spring term undergraduate courses in person, however circumstances may require us to offer a small number of courses in this department through distance education. In times of emergency, following regulatory guidelines, all classes may temporarily need to be delivered through distance education, including online. We also offer a slate of courses online in the summer to help our students make progress towards their degrees. With support from an academic advisor, students needing particular courses may have other online options as well. If you have questions about the way courses are delivered in your program, please contact your Department or Program Chair.

Exciting Student Outcomes

Hartwick philosophy students work closely with faculty members to complete external and internal research projects and internships. They are well-prepared for employment or graduate school in multiple fields, including law, business, public affairs/service, education, philosophy, journalism and politics.

Graduate School

Pace University Law School, JD
Giovanni Scarimbolo ’19

Wake Forest University, M.A. program in Mental Health Counseling
Ghalia Mahran ’18

Wake Forest University School of Law
John Talbot ’18

University of Leeds, Ph.D. Program, Philosophy
Arthur Carlyle ’14

Employment

Instructor, City Year Chicago
Alex Amat ’20

Legislative Aide to State Senator Cheryl C. Kagan, Annapolis, MD
Rob Tracey ’14

Coordinator, Individual Giving at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Alexandra Forst ’13

Philosophy Alumni Success

Alumni are engaged with the department faculty long after they graduate.  Offering opportunities for networking for current students.

Ready to be Philosophy Major or Minor?

Review all the requirements in the College Catalog.

Interested in how the mind works and how we learn and reason?

Consider a minor in cognitive science.

Review all the interdisciplinary minor requirements in the College Catalog.

Our professors are widely published and continue to do work in philosophy as well as other interdisciplinary fields.

Departmental offerings include courses in the history of philosophy, e.g. Kant, Ancient Philosophy and Modern Philosophy as well as topical courses, e.g. Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, and Zen. Class sizes are kept small to ensure close, one-on-one collaboration between students and professors.

Review the current course offerings in the College Catalog.

Special Opportunities

Hartwick Philosophy students work closely with faculty members to complete external and internal research projects and internships. Students present their work at annual conferences and during Hartwick’s Student Showcase. Philosophy students have the opportunity join Phi Sigma Tau, the International Honor Society in Philosophy, and publish their work in the society’s journal.

Meet Our Faculty

Stefanie Rocknak

Professor and Chair of Philosophy & Cognitive Science Program Coordinator
607-431-4391

Arthur Carlyle ’14

Lecturer in Philosophy
607-431-4872

Matthew Chick

Assistant Professor of Political Science & Pre-Law Program Coordinator
607-431-4611

J. Jeremy Wisnewski

Professor of Philosophy & Chair of History and Religious Studies Departments
607-431-4671

Nick Boles

Philosophy Lecturer

Marla Hasin

Philosophy Lecturer

Still Have Questions?

Contact Dr. Stefanie Rocknak, Professor & Department Chair
rocknaks@hartwick.edu