Philosophy

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree or minor in Philosophy is an excellent supplement to any course of study. Every person is a philosopher of sorts and studying philosophy is a great way to bring out the philosopher in you.

Philosophy explores the questions that have intrigued human beings throughout history: What is the nature of reality? What is truth? How can we know something and be certain of it? What is the nature of God? Do I have obligations to others? What are the foundations of civil society. Philosophy students learn critical and creative thinking skills that serve them well throughout their lives.

Possible careers after graduation

  • Teacher
  • Author
  • Lawyer
  • Journalist
  • Politician
  • Ethical consultant
  • Bioethical specialist
  • College professor

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Department Alumni

Benjamin Geeding studied Music, Philosophy and Religion while an undergraduate student at Olivet. After also completing a Master of Arts degree in Christian Thought at Olivet, Ben was accepted to Yale University and in 2019, he completed a Master of Philosophy in Religion/Philosophical Theology degree. In the fall of 2020, he began work on a Master of Divinity degree at Yale. Ben works as minister of youth and pastoral care at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Darien, Connecticut, with his wife, Christine, who is also an Olivet graduate who serves as the director of Christian education. Ben says,

"The department nurtured my academic interests, evoked my vocation to teach, and provided a strong grasp of both theological and philosophical trajectories, concepts, and histories. 

Dr. Chad Maxson

Dr. Maxson has a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University and is in the process of his second doctorate in Theological Studies from Vanderbilt University. His research area is convergence of French phenomenology and liberation theology around the theme of transcendence. He has additional research interests related to influence of Medieval theological commitments to voluntarism and nominalism on contemporary philosophical and theological thought. He also runs the Tiger Den Dojo, which provides instruction in traditional Japanese ninjutsu.

Philosophy Faculty

Philosophy is ideal for students who:

  • Enjoy contemplating deep questions.
  • Articulate their thoughts well.
  • Are stimulated by discussion and debate.
  • Want to broaden and deepen their understanding of the world.
  • Appreciate critical thinking.
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