Why Iowa?

Investigate some of the deepest and most important questions about the world and our place in it, with leading experts in philosophy, at a top writing university.

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Why Philosophy?

Studying philosophy will teach you how to think, argue, and communicate effectively—skills valued highly by employers, law schools and other graduate programs. Philosophy is also intrinsically rewarding, with the power to transform your perspective in deep ways.

News and announcements

Summer 2025, Cassie Finley successfully defended her dissertation "On the Unity of Moral and Intellectual Virtue”

Friday, September 19, 2025
Cassie Finley successfully defended her dissertation “On the Unity of Moral and Intellectual Virtue” this summer.

Asha Bhandary Promotion to Full Professor!

Thursday, May 1, 2025
The Department of Philosophy is delighted to announce that Asha Bhandary has been promoted to the rank of Full Professor, effective July 1, 2025.

CLAS students win first place in Upper Midwest Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition

Monday, April 7, 2025
The recently formed University of Iowa Ethics Bowl team, which includes College of Liberal Arts Students across majors, bested 20 competing teams in the Midwest.

Events

Iowa Care Lab Contributing Scholar Dr. Elana Buch research presentation and conversation

Thursday, October 16, 2025 2:00pm to 3:15pm
To be announced
Iowa Care Lab Contributing Scholar Dr. Elana Buch research presentation and conversationSpace is limited, people who wish to attend should contact Aura Qui aura-qui@uiowa.edu to reserve a spot and for details.

Colloquium: Jovana Davidovic, University of Iowa

Friday, October 17, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
Jovana Davidovic, University of Iowa“Bridging the responsibility gaps for warfighting AI”

Inaugural Law and Philosophy at Iowa Lecture: Joshua Knobe, Yale University

Friday, October 31, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Old Capitol Museum
Joshua Knobe, Yale University“Experimental Jurisprudence”

Colloquium: Mihailis Diamantis, University of Iowa

Friday, November 7, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
Mihailis Diamantis, University of Iowa“The Corporate Artifact”
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