“Philosophy begins in wonder.” – Plato
As one of old said, “Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.” So long as the wondering mind and the wonderful universe continue to confront each other, there will always remain some of the best reasons for doing philosophy: necessity.
John Dewey
Why Study Philosophy at CSB+SJU?
Dewey says philosophy is necessary, and maybe it is; people operate on philosophical assumptions all the time when they claim that stealing is wrong, or that they know they’re sitting in a chair. But why should you study it in college?
- Interesting classes.
- Great questions.
- Thinking and dialogue.
- Transferrable skills.
- Public good.
- Coping with life.
Thoughts on practically employing philosophy
- Philosophy majors are smarter than others — and tend to make more money
- Why Philosophers Lead and Build Startups
- Philosophy and Entrepreneurship
Discussions on Public Philosophy – PHIL 388 Capstone
Spring 2022 Student Work
Class of ’22 seniors John Cerritelli and Jonathan Trude reflect on the study of philosophy.
This podcast asks: What IS philosophy, anyway? What’s the value of philosophy?
This Story May Save Your Soul
Part of the Grand Illuminations Series
Presented by Tony Cunningham
September 29, 2021
Philosophy Majors After Graduation
About the photo above:
A “tableau vivant,” French for “living picture,” recreates a famous scene or painting. The CSB/SJU Philosophy Department set its sights on bringing to life Raphael’s famous fresco, The School of Athens. Over forty students, professors, staff, and administrators came together to recreate the scene in the College of St. Benedict’s Gathering Place. The frugal production budget called for some ingenuity. A baseball batting helmet and catcher’s chest protector were transformed in a soldier’s bronze helmet and breastplate. Polar fleece rescued from fabric store remnant piles became ancient robes. Halloween wigs and beards did their duty. On a Friday afternoon, two philosophy professors became Plato and Aristotle, a college president became Hypatia, and a provost became Diogenes. Everyone became somebody for posterity, and a good time was had by all.
College of Saint Benedict
Saint John’s University
Erica Stonestreet
Chair, Philosophy Department
SJU Quad 362F
320-363-2743
Laura Schmitz
Department Coordinator
SJU Quad 362D
320-363-3030