Philosophy

Philosophy is a discipline devoted to rigorous reflection on human nature, culture, and the world.

Contact

5776 The Maples

Orono, ME 04469

P

207.581.3866

F

207.581.2928

5776 The Maples

Orono, ME 04469

P

207.581.3866

F

207.581.2928

About

Located in the historic frame building called The Maples, the Department of Philosophy offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The major offers students a diverse set of courses, representing the full spectrum of philosophical inquiry. Areas covered in the curriculum include environmental and medical ethics, ethical theory, existentialism, social and political philosophy, logic, phenomenology, feminist philosophy, aesthetics,  classical Greek, Roman, Indian, and Chinese philosophy, and the history of philosophy. The curriculum is organized so that advanced courses will prepare those students who wish to continue studying philosophy in graduate school.

Undergraduate Studies

Our Department recognizes philosophy as a resource for working on vital concerns, including social justice and equity and ethical demands such as those pertaining to our environment and health. Philosophy is also a site for exploring and questioning the structures and implications of human meaning-making in activities such as logic, art, science, politics, and beyond.

Ambassador Program

The Philosophy Ambassadorships support the Department and extend our presence and impact beyond The Maples. To this end, Ambassadors engage in various activities while representing the Department to the broader university community. The program is made possible by the generous support of two former faculty members, Ronald Levinson and Doug Allen.

Hiring and Continuing Criteria: Ambassadors will be hired for the Fall semester and may be extended into the following Spring semester. Ambassadors who want to return in the next academic year may also be extended. To be hired, students must meet the following minimum criteria.

  • Philosophy major or minor with at least six completed credits at UMaine
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00

Clubs & Activities

Philosophy is an intellectual and social activity, and our students practice it both in and out of the classroom.

The philosophy club aims to cover as many topics within the field of philosophy from logic to existentialism. We cover movies as well as texts to not only analyze such media, but also to learn. To join the email list you can contact Wyatt Perron.
Advisor: Susan Bredlau, susan.bredlau@maine.edu

Women in Philosophy, also known as WiPhi, is a club that is meant to create a safe space for women and non-binary individuals who work in and around the University of Maine Philosophy Department. The club meets regularly to discuss feminist philosophy, watch movies, and chat about their lives. This club hosts an annual Women in Philosophy Conference every April with the goal of uplifting and supporting local women in philosophy. Advisor: Jessica Miller, jessica.miller@maine.edu

Philosophy Across the Ages is a program in which students within the philosophy program here at UMaine visit local high schools to demonstrate and practice philosophy via discussion with these high school students. For more information on Philosophy Across the Ages please reach out to Robby Finley, robby.finley@maine.edu, or the Philosophy Department at 207.581.3866.
Advisors: Robby Finley, robby.finley@maine.edu and Susan Bredlau, susan.bredlau@maine.edu

Phi Sigma Tau is the International Honor Society in Philosophy. Founded in 1930 and incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1955, the Society now has a network of over 230 chapters throughout the United States, at both public and private institutions of higher learning. The purpose of Phi Sigma Tau is to encourage interest and activity among students and to promote ties between philosophy departments in accredited institutions. Phi Sigma Tau publishes a journal, Dialogue, for student contributions in all areas of contemporary philosophical research. To qualify, students must have completed at least two courses in philosophy above the introductory level, be in the top third of their class, and achieved at least a 3.5 GPA overall and in philosophy. In addition, after a review of the student’s record, faculty must judge the student to have a sincere interest and promise in philosophy. 
Faculty Advisor: Susan Bredlau.

Dwell is a student philosophy journal that aims to share any and all philosophical ideas across a wide variety of mediums. 

Resources

Department Chair

Derek A. Michaud

P

207.581.3890

E

derek.a.michaud@maine.edu