Program Summary
The Department of Philosophy at Samford University prepares students to think critically and reflectively about life’s most enduring questions—morality, truth, the nature of reality, how we understand the world, beauty and art, faith and reason, evil and suffering, justice and society. Through thought-provoking discussions and rigorous analysis, students engage with some of history’s greatest minds, including Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Kant, Kierkegaard and Wittgenstein, gaining valuable insights into these fundamental topics.
The Philosophy and Religion major deepens this exploration by examining the rich philosophical reflections on religion. Students explore key aspects of religious belief, such as the relationship between reason and faith, life after death and arguments for God’s existence, fostering a deeper understanding of faith’s role in human thought and society.
Studying philosophy at Samford develops essential skills in critical thinking, logical reasoning and effective communication—preparing students for careers in law, education, business, public policy and beyond.
Objectives & Goals
By studying philosophy, students gain a deep understanding of foundational ideas that have shaped Western society, including justice, logic and ethics. This knowledge equips them to analyze the underlying assumptions and conflicts within culture.
Philosophy students develop essential skills in critical reading, logical reasoning and clear writing. They learn to engage with complex texts, think analytically and articulate their ideas with precision.
Additionally, students grow in their ability to sustain informed inquiry and meaningful conversations about fundamental concerns such as the nature of reality, whether we can reason about God and conflicting views of justice. Through this process, they cultivate a lifelong ability to think deeply and continue learning.
Is This Program for Me?
Philosophically educated students learn to navigate ambiguity in important issues such as God and evil, self-evident truth claims and the nature of morality. While embracing complexity, they also seek greater intellectual clarity, questioning assumptions and refining their reasoning.
These students do not settle for simplistic or untested answers to life’s most profound questions. Instead, they carefully craft their arguments, choosing their words and logic with precision. This thoughtful approach makes the Philosophy and Religion major an ideal path for students eager to study and reflect on the many dimensions of religion with an open and studious mind.
What Makes Us Different?
Samford’s Department of Philosophy, through its courses and teaching, contributes to the Christian intellectual tradition and helps shape students' moral perspectives on others, society and the earth.
With this focus, the department plays a vital role in advancing Samford University’s mission, equipping students to think critically, act ethically and engage the world with wisdom and integrity.
After earning a BA in philosophy from Samford University in 2013, I enrolled as a graduate student in musicology at The Ohio State University. I continue to use the philosophical thinking that I developed at Samford when trying to identify the structures that allow music criticism, music history, and communication through musical means. Additionally, I learned the invaluable skill of finding possible answers to ethical problems, and I learned how to criticize those answers in a principled manner. Thanks to the engaged and insightful philosophy faculty at Samford, I learned to approach issues in both work and day-to-day life in a more critical, informed way. Garrett Brown ’13, Ph.D. student, The Ohio State University
Career Preparation
Preparing You For What's Next
For students aspiring to become academicians and teach philosophy, our bachelor’s degree is the first step toward earning a Doctor of Philosophy. The Philosophy and Religion major also provides strong preparation for ministerial training and advanced studies in religion.
In addition, this major serves as excellent undergraduate preparation for law school, the health sciences and a wide range of professional careers. By developing critical reasoning, intellectual reflection and strong writing skills, philosophy graduates are well-equipped for roles as managers, editors and leaders in various fields.
