Philosophy

"It is to the skills and lessons I acquired in the study of art, philosophy, and literature that I turned most frequently and used each and every day to understand, to communicate, to educate, and to motivate others in helping me accomplish my military responsibilities."

- GEN(Ret) Eric Shinseki, ‘65, former Chief of Staff of the Army

The Philosophy major pushes cadets to investigate the very nature of human knowledge; the relationship between mind and matter; and fundamental principles of the kind that underlie religion, science, and politics. The study of philosophy also has a significant cultural dimension. It challenges cadets to understand attitudes, beliefs and arguments from other societies. West Point's major is designed to ensure breadth and to encourage depth. Majors will learn to do the following:

• analyze and construct philosophical arguments
• show competency in logic and other core areas of philosophy
• become familiar with major historical areas, figures, and problems of philosophy
• understand philosophical ideas within their historical and cultural contexts
• think and write in a rigorous and precise manner
• use critical thinking skills to provide original or innovative approaches to philosophical problems
• apply philosophical methods in a variety of contexts at the personal and social levels
• apply philosophical methods across disciplinary boundaries to a broad range of issues in the modern world 

Why Major In Philosophy?

The scope of philosophy is much wider than the Ethics and Just War theory units studied in PY201 (Philosophy and Ethical Reasoning). Besides ethics, philosophy investigates the very nature of human knowledge; the relationship between mind and matter; and fundamental principles of the kind that underlie religion, science, and politics. The study of philosophy also has a significant cultural dimension. It challenges us to understand attitudes, beliefs and arguments from societies more or less remote from our own. 

Doing philosophy is a superior example of Critical Thinking at work, thanks to the high value it places in all its courses on systematic investigation, conceptual analysis, and cogent reasoning. West Point's philosophy major is designed to ensure breadth and to encourage depth. It also provides opportunities to pursue further study in the ethics of war. The intellectual skills and experience that a philosophy major fosters are beneficial to the Army. The future officer in whom these skills take root will be an asset to any branch.

Philosophy Matters

“Studying philosophy has broadened my perspective and provided me the necessary tools to effectively build consensus with host-nation leaders, locals, and both national and international partners. It has made me a far more reflective thinker; I better examine problems, analyze critical information, and articulate arguments that compel action. Philosophy develops many of the competencies and attributes necessary to excel in the Army and on the battlefield." 

- LTC Tim Leone '03

The intellectual skills and experience the philosophy major fosters are beneficial to the Army and will be an asset to any branch. This major offers an honors track. 

Article: Why Study Philosophy? To Challenge Your Own Point of View

Article: Why Philosophy Majors Rule