Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies

Is it possible to do something that is truly good? What would make that action good? Your intentions or the results? Explore the multicultural roots of many of life’s fundamental questions and how the answers are applied to diverse contemporary issues.

Engage in discussions and research on the history and development of philosophical and religious points of view. Discover the teachings of the world’s most recognized philosophers and religious leaders. The department offers a major in philosophy, a major in religious studies and both a philosophy minor and a minor in religious studies.

With a strong commitment to the history of Western philosophy, the philosophy program embraces philosophical traditions of other cultures; the ethical, social, and political dimensions of life; and the various disciplines and schools within philosophy. The program has been at the forefront of transforming traditional philosophy curriculum by offering courses in both non-Western and feminist philosophy long before many colleges and universities embraced the importance of diversity.

As once-foreign religions become part of the American culture, it is critical to understand the beliefs and values that now shape our citizenry. Inseparable from the study of the societies in which religions thrive, courses in religious studies cover a wide range of cultures and beliefs, and prepare you for life in an increasingly global culture.

Recognized Faculty

Faculty members are recognized in their respective fields and have garnered awards, including the 2014 Rogers Prize for the best paper published in the British Journal for the History of Philosophy and a 2014 Best Paper by a Junior Scholar Award at the Diverse Lineages of Existentialism Conference. A number of faculty members in the religious studies program are affiliated with the Baltimore Hebrew Institute, located in the College of Liberal Arts.

Student-Run Forums

TU’s Philosophy Forum and World Religions Roundtable are student-run, SGA-supported groups that promote discussion of various philosophical and religious issues. The forums meet weekly and are open to all students. 

Student Philosophy Journal

The Journal of Philosophical Ideas, Towson’s undergraduate philosophy journal, features student work. Students can contact the department for more information about the journal.

$500

Grant in Comparative Philosophy/Religion

3

Philosophy essay prizes

2

Student organizations: Philosophy Forum and World Religions Round Table

Recent News

TU Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies offers a new Social Justice Track!

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies now offers a new Social Justice Track. In this course of study you will learn how to understand, justify, and responsibly participate in changes to large-scale social structures.  It is an interdisciplinary program that covers both the philosophical basis for the pursuit of social justice, as well as the empirical study of social justice movements. Please ask your advisor for more information. 

TU Philosophy Forum

The TU Philosophy Forum will be meeting regularly this semester Fall 2024. Details forthcoming! Please contact Prof. Emily Parker eparker@towson.edu with questions.

 

(Inaugural) Maryland Philosophy Conference

Oct 18

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Conference begins at 9 a.m.

The first ever Maryland Philosophy Conference will take place at Towson University October 18, 2024. For details, please contact Dr. Kristen Hine khine[at]towson.edu.

Makaelan Bond presented her honors thesis project “A Defense of a Naturalist Conception of Disease" in May 2024. Congratulations, Makaelan! 

 

 

  

If you are a faculty, staff, or student with an event you'd like to announce, please contact Dr. Emily Parker eparker[at]towson.edu.

 

 

 

 

Contact Information

Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies

Liberal Arts Building, Room 4210

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Hours

Mon - Fri: 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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