Philosophy
William Edelglass
Meg Mott
Amer Latif
Philosophers question the assumptions that guide our thoughts and actions, exploring the nature of reality, how we understand the world, who we are, and how we ought to live. The study of philosophy enables us to investigate our conceptions of ourselves and our place in the world, cultivating what Socrates called "the examined life." Philosophy is distinguished from other disciplines by its breadth; it reflects on the subject matter and methods of all the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and opens spaces of inquiry across the various realms of human experience. Philosophy is thus at the heart of a liberal arts education.
The philosophy program at Marlboro introduces students to the history and diversity of philosophy while providing the necessary background and specialized skills for conducting original research and entering into contemporary philosophical debates. The philosophy curriculum is grounded in the study of canonical works that provide many of the concepts and strategies that inform the Western cultural heritage. These texts pose fundamental and challenging questions, offer a diversity of intellectual resources and possibilities for how we can understand ourselves and our world, and manifest the contemporary significance of the history of philosophy. At the same time, philosophy at Marlboro is shaped by an appreciation for the depth, richness, and relevance of philosophical traditions from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It also recognizes that the Western canon does not address many contemporary issues that call for philosophical understanding—including the environmental crisis; questions of race, gender, and sexuality; modern technology; social structures of oppression; and postcolonialism.
Philosophy courses at Marlboro are conducted as seminars, with class meetings devoted to clarification of the most prominent themes in the assigned text and collegial reflection on the questions and ideas they raise. The process cultivates habits of careful textual analysis, critical and integrative interpretation, precise verbal and written expression, and clear and creative thinking. This reasoned dialogue and rigorous engagement with texts transmutes presuppositions and cherished views into questions, thereby challenging rigid thinking and calling forth intellectual honesty and flexibility and a willingness to reconsider what might appear obvious.
The creative, analytical, and critical skills developed through the study of philosophy provide a strong foundation for a wide range of life paths. Some philosophy students pursue graduate training in preparation for a career of teaching and research in higher education. The majority, however, enter other fields such as public service, education, law, journalism, and business where the fruits of philosophical training are highly valued.
Courses Offered On A Rotating Or Periodic Basis
Greek Philosophy
Modern Philosophy
Moral Philosophy
Social and Political Philosophy
Nineteenth Century Philosophy
Phenomenology
Analytic Philosophy
Contemporary Continental Philosophy
Buddhist Philosophy
Islamic Philosophy
Philosophy of Religion
Environmental Philosophy
Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics
Philosophy of Race and Gender
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Technology
Philosophy of Love and Friendship
Epistemology
Metaphysics
Indian Philosophy