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 麻豆无码版ns 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 麻豆无码版 and beyond.

Degree Programs

Advising

Student Opportunities & Resources

21^st Annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference

Global Bioethics and Religion

March 19th 鈥� March 20th, 2026

The philosophy department invites you to attend UAA鈥檚 21st Annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference. The conference will be held at UAA鈥檚 main campus. Our conference features student papers, panels, and a keynote speaker on a wide variety of philosophical issues. Refreshments will be available. The conference is open to the public.

Please Contact Professor Raymond Anthony with any questions.

2026 Conference Schedule

Join us for our Keynote lecture with

March 20th 5:30-7:00pm

Title: A Cross-Contextual Approach to Neurotechnologies
Abstract: Neurotechnologies come in a wide variety of forms in order to assist and treat a wide variety of conditions鈥攁s neuroprostheses for amputees to fully-implanted systems for managing psychiatric conditions. These neurotechnologies are developed and used in complex, entertwined interpersonal and sociopolitical contexts. The complexity of neurotechnologies and the social contexts they impact make it difficult to track and understand the moral issues arising from their intersection. In this presentation, Dr. Brown will propose a 鈥渃ross-contextual鈥� framework for understanding the unique ethical challenges of neurotechnologies. This framework uses socio-ecological lens to understand how different aspects of neurotechnologies create challenges across overlapping, global, sociopolitical contexts. He will then use this framework to consider difficult, near-future neuroethical problems鈥攍ike how big data analytics and artificial intelligence will impact neurotech users, their communities, and care providers.