Department of Philosophy & Religion
The study of philosophy offers students an opportunity to confront many of life’s most profound and enduring questions while also providing training in clear and critical thinking. Religious studies aims to understand sympathetically yet critically the world’s religions, and to explore the phenomenon of religion itself as a prominent component of human life and culture.
Studying Philosophy & Religion
Students in the Department of Philosophy & Religion grapple with questions at the heart of human existence, like how do we know what we know? and what is the difference between right and wrong?
Philosophy students are encouraged to answer questions like these for themselves while studying the most important and influential thinkers who have tried to address them.
Students who focus on Religious Studies work to understand sympathetically yet critically the world’s religions, and to explore the phenomenon of religion itself as a prominent component of human life and culture.
Learn more about the Philosophy & Religion program from our faculty and students.
Academic Programs
For Undergraduate Students
Learn about our program offerings at the undergraduate level: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with an emphasis in Religious Studies, and Minors in Ethics and Values, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Deanna Bostic
What would you tell a high school student about your major?
See Deanna ’s Answer
James Polk
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
See James’s Answer
Luke Pierson
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you've taken that has had the most impact on you?
See Luke’s Answer
Malik Mitchell
Why did you choose to attend UM?
See Malik’s Answer
Neely Kiihnl
Why is your department a special place?
See Neely’s Answer-
Research
Learn about the research by the faculty and students in the Department of Philosophy and Religion
Research in Philosophy and Religion
Latest news
OXFORD, Miss. – A recent gift from University of Mississippi alumnus Dean Douglas will support a campus organization focused on developing practical solutions to pressing and contentious moral and political issues.
Dunbar Lecture in Philosophy & Law
We often come across discussions of policy-related issues in law, and frequently hear about particular laws being passed by congress or considered by courts. But we rarely take the time to ask basic questions, such as "What is law?"
Established in 1987 by Jack and Wylene Dunbar, the Dunbar Lecture in Philosophy & Law is a cooperative effort between the Department of Philosophy and Religion and the UM School of Law. The lecture brings to campus nationally renowned public intellectuals to the UM campus to explore philosophical themes in law, and to stimulate creative and analytical thinking concerning the law's role in society.
Here are a sample of the guest speakers over the years.
- Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York University
- Brian Leiter, University of Texas at Austin
- Richard A. Epstein, University of Chicago
- Ronald Dworkin, New York University and University College, Oxford, England
- Joel Feinberg, the University of Arizona
- Martha A. Fineman, Columbia School of Law
- Stanley Eugene Fish, Duke University
- Jules Coleman, Yale Law School
- David A.J. Richards, New York University
- Michael Reisman, Yale Law School
Help Support Philosophy & Religion
The philosophers at the University of Mississippi not only work to offer great classes on deep topics, but train students to engage in the discipline of philosophy for themselves. Our department has a philosophy club and honors society, we have an active philosophy forum series that allows students to interact with philosophers from around the United States, we take students to local conferences each year, and we also offer teaching assistantships for graduate students so that they can develop their own teaching and research skills.
All of these activities are expensive, and we could certainly use your financial support. If you would like to help, please consider making a tax deductible donation through the University of Mississippi Foundation. Be sure to indicate that you would like your support to go to the Department of Philosophy and Religion.
Specific questions about how you could best help promote philosophy at our university should be directed to Steven Skultety, chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion.