Welcome to the Department of Philosophy at California State University, San Bernardino! We are a pluralistic and friendly department of researchers and educators dedicated to teaching undergraduates serious philosophy in small-class settings. Our full-time faculty specialize in a wide range of research areas, including ethics, social and political thought, existentialism, 19th- and 20th- century European philosophy, the philosophy of art, ancient philosophy, philosophical psychology (especially the emotions), philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of sport, philosophy of science, and philosophy of religion! Our part-time faculty are also some of the most active and thoughtful teachers on campus. Since our faculty work on such a wide variety of topics, we offer a large selection of interesting courses from which you can choose!
Why philosophy?
Philosophy sharpens your thinking, training you to think critically and rigorously and to communicate clearly and carefully. It also deepens and complicates your picture of the world, revealing nuances and connections others often miss and opening up new ways of seeing. What many students find especially exciting about pursuing a philosophy degree is that you build these skills while taking on some of life's most profound questions. Those questions broaden your perspective on the world and help you understand your place in it. Some examples include:
- What does it take to be a morally good person?
- How can we live more meaningful lives?
- What does a just society look like?
- How do we identify reliable sources of information?
Classes offered at CSUSB include Truth, Lies, and Bullshit; Happiness; Social and Political Philosophy; Real Ethics in a Virtual World; Existentialism; and Philosophy of Religion. (Of course, we offer many more!)
Click here to learn more about the philosophy major, one of the quickest majors to complete at CSUSB, at only 36 units. (This also makes it very easy to double major, with philosophy as one of the majors!)
Current and prospective students
Current and prospective students can find helpful information (including the two-year upper-level course rotation) on the Advising For Philosophy page.
Students (including non-majors) can get help with philosophy homework at the Logic Lab in UH-047, which is open daily with Zoom appointments available!
Students seeking more information about the department are encouraged to contact Dr. Kaitlyn Creasy, Department Chair at kaitlyn.creasy@csusb.edu
