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Philosophy

Department of Philosophy


Studying philosophy at Denison

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Professor of Philosophy Tony Lisska directs a lively discussion in an honors seminar

To do philosophy is to encounter some of the most fundamental questions that can be asked about human existence. Philosophical investigation leads students to recognize the assumptions that underpin even our most ordinary ways of interacting with other persons and engaging in human projects. Such assumptions concern, for example, the nature of human knowledge, actions and values.

Philosophy challenges students to move beyond uncritical patterns of thought, to recognize problems and to develop a well-considered and justifiable world view. In doing so, students learn to think in disciplined yet imaginative ways.

Philosophy department faculty members cooperatively approach these concerns from diverse perspectives, both in studying the works of major philosophers and in their own creative activity. Students are encouraged to join with the faculty in this inquiry and to philosophize creatively on their own.

Every semester the department sponsors a philosophy colloquium series, which brings nationally and internationally known philosophers to speak on campus and to meet with classes. Students are actively encouraged to participate in colloquia.

Each semester a series of philosophy coffees is held, informal discussions among students and faculty, centering on a different question or issue each time. Topics for philosophy coffees are selected by a student committee, which takes responsibility for these events.

The Department of Philosophy publishes a journal of undergraduate philosophy,Episteme. Its editorial board is made up of philosophy majors, who review submitted papers, select those suitable for publication and produce an annual volume of the journal. Papers are solicited nationally from students doing undergraduate work in philosophy.

The philosophy department annually presents the Harold Titus Prize in Social Philosophy to a student judged to have done the best work in our Social and Political Philosophy course.


The philosophy major and minor

To major in philosophy, students must take a minimum of 10 courses selected in consultation with the major advisor. The 10 courses must include:

In addition, philosophy majors must participate in and pass the Senior Symposium in their senior year.

The philosophy department welcomes double majors and self-designed majors, and helps students integrate philosophy with work in other departments.

To minor in philosophy students must take five courses including Philosophical Studies and at least one advanced level course.

Philosophy, by its very nature, is ideally suited to assisting a student in integrating and articulating knowledge gained in other areas. For this reason we attempt to tailor a student's minor program in philosophy to the specific course of studies he or she is pursuing in his or her major.

Each philosophy minor must choose a philosophy department member as his or her adviser, in addition to his or her primary academic adviser.

What do philosophy majors do after Denison?

A major in philosophy provides students with a range of skills that serves them well in many career fields. Philosophy majors have continued on to law, medicine and business schools. Some students continue on to do graduate work in philosophy or related fields.

Other students have moved directly into the job market, seeking careers in fields such as advertising, investment banking, publishing and sales.

Who are our professors?

Associate Professor Barbara Fultner, chair of the department, joined the faculty at Denison in 1995. She earned a B.A. from Simon Fraser University, an M.A. from McGill University and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She teaches courses in philosophy of language, the history of modern philosophy and philosophy of feminism among others. Her research interests lie at the cross-roads of analytic and continental philosophy, with a focus on theories of meaning and social practice.

Assistant Professor Alexandra Bradner joined the faculty at Denison in 2005. She earned an B.A. at Princeton University, an M.A. at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and an M.A. and a Ph.D. at Northwestern University. She teaches courses in philosophy of science, philosophy of biology, epistemology, metaphysics and feminist philosophy, among others. Her research interests include the philosophy of explanation and metaethics.

Professor Anthony J. Lisska, Maria Theresa Barney Chair, joined the faculty at Denison in 1969. He earned a B.A. from Providence College, an M.A. from St. Stephen's College and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He is the recipient of the Sears Teaching Award at Denison and the Carnegie Foundation United States Baccalaureate Colleges Professor of the Year Award. He teaches courses in Greek and medieval philosophy, philosophy of law, virtue ethics and the philosophy of Aristotle and Aquinas. His research interests include St. Thomas Aquinas, law and morality, and modern moral theories.

Assistant Professor Jonathan Maskit joined the faculty at Denison in 1996. He earned a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. He teaches courses in contemporary continental philosophy, environmental ethics, Kant, social and political philosophy, philosophy and literature, philosophy of science, philosophy of technology, and others. His research interests include aesthetics, continental philosophy, and environmental philosophy.

Assistant Professor Mark Moller joined the faculty at Denison in 1996. He earned a B.A. from Bucknell University and an M.A and Ph.D. from Washington University, St. Louis. He teaches courses in ethics, medical ethics, bioethics, logic and American pragmatism. His research interests include ethics, biomedical ethics and American philosophy.

Professor Emeritus Ronald E. Santoni joined the faculty at Denison in 1964. He earned a B.A. from Bishop's University in Canada, an M.A. from Brown University and a Ph.D. from Boston University. His research interests include Jean-Paul Sartre, existentialism, philosophy of religion, Albert Camus, C.J. Ducasse and social and political philosophy. Santoni is a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge University. He has been Visiting Scholar and Visiting Lecturer in the Faculty of Philosophy at University of Cambridge, England.

Professor Steven Vogel joined the faculty at Denison in 1984. He earned a B.A. from Yale University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Boston University. He teaches courses in contemporary continental philosophy, 19th century philosophy, environmental ethics, social and political philosophy, logic, and others. He is the recipient of the Charles A. Brickman Award for Teaching Excellence at Denison. His research interests include environmental philosophy, social theory, Habermas and the Frankfurt School.

For more information about the department and curriculum, link to the:

Department of Philosophy 

or contact:

Barbara Fultner, Chair
Department of Philosophy
Knapp Hall, Room 205C
Denison University
Granville, Ohio 43023

Phone:  (740) 587-6330
Fax:  (740) 587-8544
E-mail: fultner@denison.edu