Philosophy

Academic Department Introduction

Philosophers study some of the most fundamental questions that can be asked about the world and our place in it. Do we have free will? Are there objective moral truths? Does God exist? What is the best way to live? What does social justice require? Can we ever really know anything?

Studying philosophy helps us understand the development of human thought on such issues over the centuries and offers insight into how to approach them today. Philosophy teaches the general skills of reasoning and argumentation, including how to interpret and evaluate arguments, develop and justify views on complex questions, and express oneself clearly and persuasively. Taking even one philosophy course can change a person’s perspective on life in significant ways.

Learning goals

Understand central questions in metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory, and develop and defend positions concerning them.
Evaluate important and influential positions within the history of philosophy and articulate the ways they have informed contemporary discussions.
Provide an effective defense of a philosophical position, orally and in writing.
Clarify your sense of who you are and what matters to you, while exploring various forms of value, what can be known, and the ways in which philosophical reflection can enhance other forms of inquiry.

Programs of Study

Philosophy major and minor

Students will think profoundly and creatively about consequential human questions and construct clear and persuasive arguments concerning them.

Major requirements

Minor requirements

Our Faculty

Helena de Bres

Professor of Philosophy

Corinne Gartner

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Erich Matthes

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Mary Kate McGowan

Margaret Clapp ‘30 Distinguished Alumna Professor of Philosophy

Alison McIntyre

Virginia Onderdonk ‘29 Professor of Philosophy

Julie Walsh

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Adele Watkins

Fellow in Philosophy

Catherine Wearing

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Helena de Bres

Professor of Philosophy
Corinne Gartner

Associate Professor of Philosophy
Erich Matthes

Associate Professor of Philosophy
Mary Kate McGowan

Margaret Clapp ‘30 Distinguished Alumna Professor of Philosophy
Alison McIntyre

Virginia Onderdonk ‘29 Professor of Philosophy
Julie Walsh

Associate Professor of Philosophy
Adele Watkins

Fellow in Philosophy
Catherine Wearing

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Course Highlights

Moral Powers

PHIL244

This course concerns our commonplace but sometimes puzzling ability to alter our moral relationship with other people through our will, what some philosophers have called “moral powers.” For instance, we can make a promise and create a moral obligation, give our consent and create a moral permission, offer forgiveness and repair a moral rupture. How should we understand these powers? How do they work and how do they shape our moral lives? We will pay particular attention to the moral powers involved in promising, consent, trust, and forgiveness.

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Introduction to Social Philosophy

PHIL107

In this course we will explore the philosophical underpinnings and ramifications of the social structures which shape our lives. Among the topics we will consider are racism, gender, disability, and incarceration and prisons. For each topic, we will investigate different accounts of what the phenomenon at issue is. Among the thinkers we will engage are Sally Haslanger, Charles Mills, and Robin Dembroff. Questions for discussion include: What are the implications of endorsing one account of an oppressive structure over another? How are oppressive social structures, e.g. ableism, transphobia, etc., mutually reinforcing? Does oppression manifest differently in different contexts? If so, how? When are the oppressed unduly burdened with explaining or combatting their oppression?
Philosophy and Free Speech

PHIL227

This course will explore free speech issues using the tools of analytic philosophy. Questions to be considered include: what makes speech so valuable that we protect it against regulation? Is any regulation of speech compatible with a commitment to free speech? Can expressing a sincere political opinion ever be a crime? How and why does hate speech regulation vary across countries, even ones committed to free speech? Does respect for the value of free speech require a speaker's community to provide a platform? a civil audience? comprehension?

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Places and spaces

The Virginia Onderdonk Library contains a range of philosophical books and journals. Both the library and the lounge are open every weekday, and have quiet and cozy places to read, study, and enjoy coffee from the department machine.

Research highlights

Professor Julie Walsh and Eni Mustafaraj, associate professor of computer science, received a National Science Foundation grant to collaborate with students on a project examining the ethics of technology. Walsh, Mustafaraj, and the students are interviewing Wellesley alums working in tech regarding ethical dilemmas they face in their jobs.
Professor Helena de Bres’ book, How to Be Multiple: The Philosophy of Twins, was published by Bloomsbury in 2023.
Professor Erich Hatala Matthes’ book, Drawing The Line: What to Do with the Work of Immoral Artists from Museums to the Movies, was published by Oxford University Press in 2022.
Professor Mary Kate McGowan’s book Just Words: On Speech and Hidden Harm was published by Oxford University Press in 2019.

Opportunities

Philosophy Club

The Philosophy Club hosts evening student-led discussions of philosophical topics, informal teas with professors, viewings of movies that explore philosophical topics, and conversations with philosophy alums.
Home Base

In the department’s in-house tutoring program, advanced philosophy majors advise beginning and intermediate students on the skills needed to succeed in philosophy. Three tutors are employed each year to give individual advice and run collective workshops on how to read and write philosophy and participate effectively in class.

Beyond Wellesley

A background in philosophy is valued within many graduate programs, including law school and medical school, and in many diverse careers. Many of our graduates work in the legal profession. Others earn graduate degrees, teach, or work in government or nonprofit sectors. Recent employers include the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York County District Attorney’s office, and the Children’s Defense Fund.