Department of Philosophy

  • Big Questions

    Philosophy is the creative and critical reflection on enduring questions concerning the nature of the world and our place in it. For example, philosophy asks metaphysical questions about what exists, epistemic questions about what we can claim to know, and ethical questions about the nature of the good life and right action. In addition, philosophy involves the study and practice of good reasoning and clear thinking, skills that are essential to any discipline or profession.

    Check out the UAA Ethics Center

The Department of Philosophy

Philosophy, as the center of the humanities, the foundation for the sciences and the core of the liberal arts, supports the mission of CAS and the 2017 UAA Strategic Plan by preparing Alaskans to become knowledgeable and contributing citizens in a diverse world.  Members of the department are committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and public service, and seek to extend the mission of the University by promoting freedom of inquiry, integrity in study and action, and the transmission of knowledge and understanding. Faculty advance scholarship, research, and learning in the history of ideas and ethics. They contribute to the vitality of the natural and social sciences, health professions, art, education, government and public policy, business, technology, and justice studies. The department's emphasis on intellectual strenuousness uniquely prepares students for variety of graduate studies as well as public leadership. Through community engagement, faculty and students raise public discussion of significant issues and provide leadership in addressing conflicts and solving problems in Alaska and beyond.

Presenter lecturing in front of a crowd

18th Annual UAA Undergraduate Philosophy Conference

March 31st and April 1st 

Being held in The Den and Library 307

See below for a breakdown of student presentations and more information on the Keynote address by Professor Lee McBride from the College of Wooster.

Friday, March 31: The Den (Student Union)

Session One: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Student Presentor Presentation Title
Karyssa Power Biological Self
Isik Askin Self as Potentiality
Aaron Gordon Theories and of Self and Recovery from Substance Use Disorder: An Applied Philosophy

Session Two: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

Student Presentor Presentation Title
Belle Moulton Body Modifications and a Reevaluation of Achieving the Sublime
Cassidy Johnson Taking Back What Is Mine: The Value Of Female Artists Creating Nude Self Portraiture

 

Keynote Address: March 31st, 5:30 - 7:00pm, Library 307

Professor Lee McBride from the College of Wooster:  “Poetry and Well-Patterned Language (in Philosophy)

Refreshments will be served

 

Questions? Contact Professor Raymond Anthony at rxanthony@alaska.edu!

Saturday, April 1: The Den (Student Union)

Session Three: 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Student Presentor Presentation Title
Zen Miller, Jack Sweeney and Juniper Glazier 
College of Wooster Panel on W.E.B. Du Bois’ Darkwater and the Transformative Capacity of Democracy, Education, and Beauty,

Session Four: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Student Presentor Presentation Title
Isik Askin
Encoding Formulas: Meinong and Abstract Objects 
Murat Demir Plato’s Republic, the Noble Lie, and Modern Society

Session Five: At Work: UAA Philosophy Alumni on Jobs and Life from 12:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Join us for a panel discussion on charting the next steps after college with alumni of UAA's philosophy program. 

 

Prof. Lee McBride headshot

Philosophy Students and Faculty in the News!

The Ethics Bowl

Alaska Ethics Bowl: Discuss...Debate...Win!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participate in the Ethics Bowl