Breadcrumb
Department of Philosophy
Ask the bigger questions at Cal Poly Humboldt.
From Plato to Confucius to Nietzsche, to contemporary thinkers, humankind has been pondering the bigger questions of existence almost as long as humans have been around. Be part of a learning community that embraces critical thinking and philosophical exploration.
Philosophy, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree develops analytical, critical, and oral and written communication skills, an excellent preparation for professional and other careers. Along with required courses in history of western philosophy, contemporary philosophy, Asian philosophy, moral and political philosophy, philosophy of science and logic, you can explore a variety of electives in the above subjects such as applied ethics, philosophies of happiness and flourishing, and more.
International Breadth
We study the history of ideas from diverse cultures and worldviews to explore different perspectives on ethics, environmentalism, feminism, epistemology, philosophy of science, happiness and flourishing.
Logic and Critical Thinking
Our curriculum values building skills in logic-based critical thinking, written communication, problem solving, oral communication, analytical thinking, and textual interpretation and analysis.
Personal Attention
Our small class sizes mean getting to know your professors and fellow students through your education. This community will help you grow as a philosopher, supporting you throughout your undergraduate career and beyond.
Careers
Philosophy provides an excellent vehicle for the development of logical, critical, and creative reasoning, analytical reading and writing, and creative problem-solving skills. Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of fields including business, education, government and law.
Featured Alumni
Achievements
Find out what our students, faculty, and staff are being recognized for.
Dr. Loren Cannon
Philosophy
Dr. Loren Cannon (Philosophy), was interviewed and quoted in an NPR article entitled Trump's anti-trans effort is an agenda cornerstone with echoes in history by Odette Yousef. The online version of the article was published on February 6th. Additionally, he was interviewed and quoted by French Journalist, Camille Ribot, for her article L’obsession anti-trans de Donald Trump which was published February 19th in the French publication, “La Croix.” Both journalists contacted Dr. Cannon due to his expertise in analyzing the recent politicization of trans persons and the role the current federal administration is taking in targeting this population. Dr. Cannon’s book, “The Politicization of Trans Identity: An Analysis of Backlash, Scapegoating, and Dog-whistling From Obergefell to Bostock,” published in 2022, serves as the basis of his analysis.
Loren Cannon
Philosophy
Dr. Loren Cannon, Philosophy, was recently invited to submit an essay of his newest work to the Journal, “Logos: A Journal of Modern Society and Culture.” His essay, “The Backlash Continues: How Two Recent SCOTUS Rulings Pose a Threat to LGBTQ+ and Especially Trans And Gender Non-Binary Persons” is in the newest volume of the journal In this essay, Cannon looks closely at two SCOTUS cases, 303 Creative v. Elenis and Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. Cannon concludes that these decisions legally protect religious expression, even when it is both coercive and discriminatory in the marketplace.
Loren Cannon
Philosophy
Dr. Loren Cannon of CPH Philosophy presented his essay, “Boundaries of Expression: Belief, Faith ... and Gender” at the Eastern Conference of the American Philosophical Association. This was a requested presentation, on the topic of "Fighting Anti-Transgender Legislation." This new essay from Dr. Cannon engages in a critical analysis of recent court decisions that seem to have widened the scope of religious freedom (including speech) and considers the resulting impacts on the limit of non-religious expression. The conference was held in NYC, January 15th - 18th 2024.