Philosophy

Distinguished Teaching Professors: Malhotra, Professor: Green; Associate Professor: Köddermann; Assistant Professors: Keegan, Koch (Chair), Stradella

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Major

Philosophy

Minor

Philosophy

General Characteristics

The Philosophy Department plays a significant and vital role within the College community. Faculty represent diverse interests and viewpoints, including Eastern as well as Western thought. In addition to traditional classroom instruction, philosophy encourages independent study and small upper-division seminars.

The Department pursues three primary, interrelated goals. First, the Department provides a rigorous major, enabling students to compete for admission to the best graduate schools in the country. Second, the Department offers a flexible minor to complement any major. Third, the Department offers courses of general interest and appeal to the College at large.

In addition, the Department considers: 1) a philosophy major is ideal for pre-law students; 2) philosophy combines well with other disciplines for students who desire a double major; and 3) philosophy provides an intellectually-stimulating basis for a traditional liberal arts education.

Awards and Honors

Philosphy attracts some of our institution’s best students. As bright, inquisitive, and articulate individuals they make their presence felt throughout the campus community. Because excellence and achievement take many different forms, the Philosophy Department sponsors a wide variety of student awards.

Philosophy majors and minors who maintain a high grade point average (3.5+) while also participating in community service activities organized by the Center for Social Responsibility are eligible for a special scholarship during their Junior and Senior years: the Ashok Kumar Malhotra Seva Award. "Seva" is Hindi for "compassionate service."

The following four awards provide special recognition for seniors who major in Philosophy.

Academic Achievement Award: presented to the senior who most clearly exemplifies the standards and ideals of the department.

Socratic Society Awards: presented to seniors who maintain a Philosophy GPA of at least 3.7.

Oneonta Philosophy Studies Book Awards: presented to seniors who maintain a Philosophy GPA of at least 3.4 but less than 3.7.

Ninash Foundation East-West Awards: presented to seniors who demonstrate sustained excellence in the study of Asian and Comparative Philosophy.

Some of the department’s most distinctive awards are reserved for those who participate in the annual Oneonta Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, an event that attracts students from a broad array of prestigious institutions throughout North America.

President’s Awards honor student presentations that most clearly exemplify the standards and ideals of the conference. Criteria include, but are not necessarily limited to: philosophical content, exposition and expression, creativity and insight, and quality of presentation.

Ninash Foundation East-West Awards honor student presentations that exhibit special expertise and understanding of Asian and Comparative Philosophy.

Matthew Grappone Prizes honor student presentations that exhibit special expertise and insight in the Philosophy of Science.

Dominick Roda Awards honor discussants who present exceptionally insightful, cogent, and thought-provoking analyses of other student’s papers.

Spirit of Conference Awards honor students who contribute to the conference in diverse, sometimes unexpected ways. Special consideration is given to contributions that enhance the academic, intellectual, and positive social atmosphere of the conference.

Named in honor of an alumna who helped found the conference, Kerri Lynn Nicholas Heart and Soul Awards provide special recognition to those who have made truly exceptional, lasting contributions to the conference.