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

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.

Professor Jovana Davidovic to give talk at the Palace of Nations at the UN headquarters in Geneva

Thursday, February 27, 2025
Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2025 → UNIDIR

CLAS philosophy faculty member receives $1 million grant to further research on ethics of AI-enabled weapons

Monday, February 17, 2025
Jovana Davidovic, associate professor in the Department of Philosophy, will use the grant from the Research Council of Norway to develop ethical risk management frameworks for AI-enabled weapons, a rapidly evolving field.

Events

Hall Lecture: Nomy Arpaly, Brown University

Friday, April 25, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
Nomy Arpaly, Brown University“The Trouble with Human Imagination” 

Bergmann Lecture: Sandra Mitchell, University of Pittsburgh

Friday, September 5, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
Sandra Mitchell, University of Pittsburgh

Sievert Lecture: Declan Smithies, The Ohio State University

Friday, September 19, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
Declan Smithies, The Ohio State University  

Colloquium: Jovana Davidovic, University of Iowa

Friday, October 17, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
Jovana Davidovic, University of Iowa
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