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.

Develop your fundamentals

Advance your academic work

Learn from experts

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

Philosophy major prepares a student for success in CLAS and beyond

Monday, February 9, 2026
A students journey from uncertainty to philosophical confidence.

Iowa Expert Helps Global Leaders Consider Risks of AI in Warfare

Friday, January 16, 2026
UI associate professor of philosophy Jovana Davidovic serves as a senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo.

Events

Public Philosophy Lecture and UIGPS Keynote Lecture: Jennifer Lackey, Northwestern University

Friday, April 3, 2026 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Old Capitol Museum

Jennifer Lackey, Northwestern University

"The Right to Be Known: Epistemic Reparations and the Making of Rounder Stories"

Owl of Minerva Theater Movie Night

Friday, April 3, 2026 5:30pm
English-Philosophy Building

Before Night Falls (2000, Julian Schnabel). 133 min.

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

Friday, April 10, 2026 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Old Capitol Museum

Joshua Knobe, Yale University

"Experimental Jurisprudence"

Owl of Minerva Theater Movie Night

Friday, April 10, 2026 5:30pm
English-Philosophy Building

The Handmaid’s Tale (1990, Volker Schlöndorff). 109 min.

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