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Philosophy Minor

Traditional Undergraduate

Developing critical thinking skills

Philosophy is an engaging, challenging minor that has rigorous standards of writing and argumentation. It raises the most fundamental and enduring questions about ourselves, our obligations, and our world.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AND ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Who are Hiram’s Philosophy Minor Students?

Philosophy is traditionally understood as a love of the truth. It strives for the truth in its most broad and fundamental forms. As our philosophy minors quickly discover, the ideas that seem obvious or beyond question are the ones that need to be questioned most. Most importantly, they learn to apply these skills to their major area of study and to service opportunities beyond the classroom. They may choose to major or double minor in Entrepreneurship; International Studies; Political Science; Performing Arts; Creative Writing; Classical & Medieval Studies; Crime, Law & Justice; or one of the other programs that Hiram has to offer.

Our Philosophy Program

Our mission is to help philosophy minors develop a critical, reflective and interrogative attitude towards values and beliefs. Our curriculum is grounded in the careful study of primary texts from the history of philosophy so students understand significant and enduring questions, arguments, and texts of the history of philosophical thought. The program also involves the rigorous examination of contemporary ethical problems we face every day.

Opportunities for Philosophy Minors

The Thomas Wayne Grant Prize is an annual award given to an outstanding psychology and/or philosophy student.

2020 Recipient: Olivia L. Detweiler

Past Award Recipients:
- Hannah Waldman (2019)
- Heather Brant (2016)
- Karissa Clark & Angela Cobb (2015)
- Tiffany Foster and Liudmila Titova (2014)
- Rachel Petrack (2013)
- Caroline Christoff (2009, 2010)
- Scott Simmons (2008)
- Dan Buttaccio (2007)
- Meg Shutts (2006)
- Jason Wray (2004, 2005)
- Katie Burke (2004)
- Vanessa Gorley (2003)
The Eugene H. Peters Prize in Philosophy was established in 1983 to honor the memory of Professor Eugene H. Peters, who taught philosophy at Hiram College from 1962 until his untimely death in May of 1983. The prize rewards students who have done exceptional work in the field of philosophy.

2020 Recipient: Grace Lutat

The memory of Eugene Peters, who taught philosophy at Hiram College from 1962 until his untimely death in 1983, is preserved through both this award and the dedication of seminar room, Hinsdale 121.

Professor Peters had a special interest in the works of Process Philosophy associated with the work of Alfred North Whitehead and Charles Hartshorne.

Selected Works by and for Eugene H. Peters
- 1966 (Bethany Press) “The Creative Advance: An Introduction to Process Philosophy as a Context for Christian Faith“
- 1970 (University of Nebraska Press) “Hartshorne and Neoclassical Metaphysics”
- 1987 (Charlie PR) “Faith and Creativity: Essays in Honor of Eugene H. Peters” edited by George Nordgulen and George W. Shields
Students interested in Philosophy may be interested in student organizations that search for truth, such as Philosophy Forum, Ethics Bowl, Feminism in Action, Student Senate or others (Check out our Student Organizations Webpage for a list of all clubs!). Philosophy Forum meets throughout the school year to discuss philosophy. Activities have included:
- Weekly discussion of philosophical works
  
  Various essays on sex and sexuality
  
  “One World” by Peter Singer
  
  “Mortal Questions” by Thomas Nagel
  
  “What Computers Still Can’t Do” by Hubert Dreyfus.
- Attendance of philosophy conferences (including Central American Philosophical Association, Northeast Ohio Philosophy Consortium, and Mid-South Philosophy Conference).
- Watching and discussing movies with philosophical concerns.
- Social occasions including picnics and dinners.

Diversity & Culture

Within the Office of Student Life, we offer several support functions, services, and opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and to those interested engaging in the backgrounds of others.
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