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 reflects on the subject matter and methods of all the other disciplines and opens spaces of inquiry across the various realms of human experience. 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 texts that provide many of the concepts and strategies that inform the Western cultural heritage. At the same time, philosophy at Marlboro is shaped by an appreciation for the depth, richness, and relevance of non-Western traditions. It also recognizes that contemporary thinkers provide important insights for understanding philosophical questions, especially those concerning contemporary problems such as environmental challenges, questions of race, gender, sexuality, disability, modern technology, social structures of oppression, and colonialism.
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News & Events

From Somewhere to Nowhere
Philosopher Lindsay Lerman and writer and editor Leza Cantoral ’14 in conversation with philosophy fellow Casey Ford.
Chris Lamb ’18 Awarded Philosophy Essay Prize
The recent graduate presented a paper based on his Plan work at International Association of Environmental Philosophy meeting in October, and was awarded the best graduate student essay prize.
Constitutive Exclusions: A Genealogy of Barred Life
POSTPONED TO DECEMBER 9: Faculty forum presented by Casey Ford, visiting professor of philosophy.