About Us
Welcome from the Chair
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Delaware can trace its roots to NewArk College in 1834, when all students were required to take a course on moral philosophy. Today, our students learn from nationally and internationally recognized experts from across all major subfields of the discipline, with distinguished records of teaching, scholarship and service.
We are known for our commitment to undergraduate teaching and provide many opportunities for undergraduate research and study abroad. We offer a major with options to concentrate in philosophy and law or philosophy and religion; an honors major; and minors in philosophy, religious studies, and science, technology and philosophy. Our flexible courses of study allow students to tailor their education around the questions and debates they find most interesting.
One of the primary values of studying philosophy lies in its ability to cultivate critical thinking skills. Philosophy encourages students to question assumptions, analyze arguments, and evaluate evidence, fostering intellectual rigor and independence. These skills are indispensable in navigating complex issues and making informed decisions, whether in academia, professional settings, or everyday life.
As a student of philosophy, you will delve into fundamental questions about morality, justice, and the nature of reality and reach a deeper understanding of ethical principles and human behavior. You will also build cultural literacy by exploring diverse philosophical traditions from around the world. From ancient Greek philosophy to Eastern philosophies like Confucianism and Buddhism, philosophy encompasses a rich tapestry of ideas that reflect the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.
We invite you to explore our website and learn more about our faculty, programs, and events.
— Joel Pust, Ph.D., Chairperson and Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Delaware
Commitment to teaching excellence
Our faculty upholds standards of excellence in instruction for our undergraduate majors and minors, as well as general education, multicultural education, discovery learning, second writing, and the first-year experience for freshmen majors.
The UD Philosophy Department aspires to be the best undergraduate-only philosophy department in the world. That requires excellence in both teaching and research. In terms of teaching, we excel by several standards. Peer evaluations of our teaching are uniformly highly positive. Student evaluations of our teaching — whether in letters, conversation, or in the course evaluations that most students submit for each class they take — could hardly be better. Last semester, for example, student evaluations of our courses yielded an average course ranking of 4.65 on a five point scale (where 1 is "poor" and 5 is "excellent"). Nor was last semester in any way anomalous. There is no question about it: UD students love their philosophy courses!
Some of our faculty have also received prestigious awards for their teaching efforts. Professor Alan Fox won the "Delaware Teacher of the Year" award a few years ago, and he and Jeff Jordan have also won university teaching awards. Other members of the department have been nominated for college or university teaching awards. The department has also contributed substantially to the UD Honors program and to the Study Abroad program.
Enriching Educational Journeys
With support from our generous donors, the Department of Philosophy honors student excellence through the Plummer and Palmer prizes and hosts an annual writing contest.
Donor Molly McKaughan, of Montclair, New Jersey, established the Plummer Prize in honor and memory of her son, Nicholas Freemont Plummer. Nick was a philosophy major at UD who died unexpectedly on February 27, 2001.
The Department of Philosophy annually awards a prize of varying value (but always more than $1,000) and a certificate of recognition to a junior majoring in philosophy. In the judgment of the Philosophy faculty, the recipient is an outstanding student as indicated by overall academic record, especially in philosophy, and shows the most enthusiasm in his or her spirit of philosophical inquiry.
The Palmer Prize was established in the memory of Lucia Palmer, a highly regarded professor of philosophy who taught at the University of Delaware for many years. It includes a cash prize that is awarded annually to the graduating philosophy major with the best academic record in philosophy.
The annual student writing contest, made possible with support from the Class of '55, is open to all University of Delaware undergraduates. Winners receive $750.
Topic: An opinion piece defending a view on any ethical issue.
Entries are judged by Department of Philosophy faculty looking for the best argument in defense of the most interesting ethical view.
Visitor Information
The University of Delaware campus is located in Newark, Delaware, which is about 20 minutes away from Wilmington, an hour from either Philadelphia or Baltimore, two hours from Washington D.C., and two and a half hours from New York City.
The College’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are significant parts of the University of Delaware's College of Arts and Sciences's values and goals. The college's commitment to these values is not just evident in its student body but also its faculty, staff, and curriculum, ensuring a fully inclusive experience. Through this steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the college continues to enrich its educational offering, allowing each student to benefit from a wide array of viewpoints and experiences.
