Welcome to the San José State Philosophy Department
In our graduate and undergraduate degree programs we offer small classes, an active
student body, and support for your academic growth. The Philosophy Department has
been recognized for its breadth and the scholarly activity of its faculty. The Department
is strong in traditional areas of philosophy and active in innovative ones (e.g.,
Feminist Philosophy; Applied Philosophy). The Department is noted for its treatment
of philosophy in a global context (Comparative Philosophy; Asian Philosophy; African
and African American Philosophies), and for its engagement with issues reflecting
its Silicon Valley setting (Computers, Ethics and Society; Science, Technology and
Human Values; Philosophy of Technology; Philosophy of Science).
We unequivocally condemn the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and
countless other Black people in the US and around the world. We recognize our responsibility
to be part of hard conversations about systemic racism and anti-Blackness. We affirm
our commitment to making our Department, our classrooms, and our wider community more
just, more equitable, and more inclusive, providing safe spaces for learning while
challenging ourselves to be better. We hold space for our Black students, colleagues,
alumni, and community members. Your voices matter. Your lives matter.
Our Department's Shared Commitment
As philosophers, we engage rigorously with ideas and arguments. In doing so, we also
endeavor to treat each other with empathy and respect. We believe that philosophy
should be guided by a yearning to understand not only the content and implications
of ideas, but also the perspectives of other members of our diverse community. Our
thinking is better and our understanding is deeper when we grapple with lived experiences
different from our own.
We value a plurality of philosophical styles. We value appeals to reason and evidence,
and reject argumentation aimed simply at winning or at bullying other voices into
silence. We are committed to creating learning environments, a departmental culture,
and a larger philosophical community that reflects these values and welcomes all who
want to explore philosophy.
Impaction Statement
The Department of Philosophy welcomes all students admitted to the University. There
are no extra criteria for admissions to the Department's major program.
