Philosophy Department
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.
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.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Dr. Stefanie Rocknak, Professor & Department Chair
rocknaks@hartwick.edu