Subject at Iowa
Philosophy explores the big questions that shape our understanding of the world. Our faculty and students are leading these conversations in thought-provoking ways that challenge perspectives and foster intellectual growth.
With a rich history of research and teaching excellence, the Department of Philosophy at the University of Iowa is at the forefront of philosophical inquiry. Our renowned faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, driving forward discussions in epistemology, metaphysics, social and political philosophy, and more.
With a diverse range of courses, students explore and expand their intellectual horizons. Our curriculum fosters critical thinking, argumentation, and communication skills essential for success in any career path.
A degree in philosophy from Iowa opens doors to various career opportunities. Our graduates go on to pursue successful careers in law, education, academia, and other fields where critical thinking and analytical skills are highly valued. Through innovative programs, like Iowa Law's 3 + 3 program and the joint MA and JD, we provide accelerated pathways for students to advance their careers in law while saving time and expenses.
We provide numerous opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and engage with one another—and with our faculty. At Iowa, you’ll be part of an active community of philosophers who want to see you succeed.
Ethics and public policy
Ethics and public policy is an interdisciplinary major that presents perspectives on intersecting issues that connect the study of philosophy, economics, law, political science, and sociology. All of these disciplines involve a focus on practical questions concerning how individuals ought to behave and how they ought to regulate the behavior of others.
For example, law exists in order to regulate human behavior, enforce human ideals, and resolve human conflict. And, most people agree that what society should do depends in part on the actual or potential consequences of its actions, and some of the most important consequences of actions and policies are economic. So it is folly to try to reason clearly about how to rectify injustice without thinking long and hard about the economic impact of one’s plans. But law and social policy affect more than economics; they have a role in constructing the very fabric of society and the nature of the political state in which we want to live.
Students choose one field of specialization for the major and may find it easy to pursue a second major in another of the major's specialization fields, thus broadening their prospects for choosing graduate schools or beginning professional careers.
The structure of the major allows for a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to combine it with a second major in one of the fields of specialization or other majors. Doing so provides students the opportunity to shape an academic program to best fit their future academic and career goals.
The Departments of Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology and Criminology collaborate to present the major in ethics and public policy; the major is administered by the Department of Philosophy.
Why Iowa?
Embark on a transformative academic journey
Iowa offers a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for success in academia and beyond. Explore timeless philosophical questions and take advantage of the various research opportunities. Our faculty is known for work in epistemology, 20th century philosophy, ethics of AI, and more. We equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex ethical challenges and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.