Philosophy
The goal of the Philosophy Department is to work with students to develop the skills of critical analysis, powerful speaking, and clear writing, skills alumni find of singular practical use in a wide variety of careers, and indispensable to their work as responsible citizens. We emphasize the value of philosophical examination for understanding broad issues that concern us all.
The Senior Program
Philosophy concentrators take the senior seminar, 550, in the fall of their senior year. In collaboration with others in a small course section, students in 550 complete a clear and focused piece of philosophical writing or project that they present publicly. The written and oral work should show that students have developed the philosophical skills that merit a degree in philosophy at Hamilton College.
Recent Senior Thesis projects include:
- The Paradox of True Friendship
- Ethics of Ambiguity
- Faith and Reason: A Post-Rational Depiction of Religious Faith
- Virtuous Tribalism: How to Balance Morality and Practicality in Social Organization
- Natural Buddhism: The Dangers and Merits of Secular Readings of Buddhism
- Bridging Care and Justice: A Capabilities Approach to Ethical Educational Decision Making
- Collaborative Instruction in Logic: How to Teach Formal Logic to First-Time Philosophy Students
- Curiosity, Agency, Creativity, and AI
- How AI Influences Beliefs Through Cognitive Extension
- In Defense of Private Language
- Two Accounts of the Principle of Alternate Possibilities and Their Problems
- Run, Scream, Repeat: The Ethical Implications of Women’s Depictions in Slasher Films
Contact
Department Name
Philosophy Department
Contact Name
Russell Marcus, Chair
Clinton, NY 13323
