Philosophy is the study of the most basic questions of human existence, such as what a person is, how far our freedom extends, how matter and spirit come together in human nature, where the moral law comes from, how the mind knows reality, and how God can be known through reason and experience. In philosophy we examine these questions by probing human experience, by rational analysis, and also by studying closely the tradition of Western philosophy. Although philosophy is in many ways close to Christian theology, giving much to it and receiving much from it, philosophy is an entirely distinct and in some ways more fundamental discipline. In studying philosophy one also develops habits of critical thought; one develops powers of articulating, distinguishing, and arguing. The philosophy courses are, therefore, not just for future teachers of the subject, but for everyone who agrees with Socrates that “the unexamined life is not worth living.”
Pursue the Good, True, and Beautiful
Programs
Alumni Profiles
Dr. Brian Tullius ’03 MA ’04
Biology and Philosophy
Dr. Brian Tullius knew he wanted to be a doctor when he arrived at Franciscan University, but he loved his philosophy classes so much that he decided to major in…
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John Lucian ’95
Philosophy
When John decided to go to law school, he found that his undergraduate coursework, especially reading Thomas Aquinas, had given him a strong foundation for legal studies.
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Robert Kloska MA ’06
MA Philosophy
Bobby co-founded a Catholic radio station in 2007 and stays active in Catholic media, occasionally writing for Catechetical Review and blogging at “Thoughts From the Side of the House.” He…
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Benjamin Klare ’18
Philosophy and Theology
Benjamin Klare is the associate director for the Office for Marriage and Family Evangelization and Discipleship in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He coordinates…
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Alexei Woltornist ’12
Political Science, History, & Philosophy
No one can say senior political science major Alexei Woltornist doesn’t come by his conservative political philosophy honestly.The grandson of not one, but two Russian immigrants who separately fled the…
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Dr. Mark Spencer ’08
BA in Theology & Philosophy; MA in Philosophy
Dr. Mark K. Spencer ’07, MA ’08, didn’t just leave Franciscan University of Steubenville with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology and a master’s degree in philosophy. He also…
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Beyond the Classroom
Philosophy Conferences
Center for Bioethics
The struggle between an emerging culture of death and the culture of life has intensified in the last few decades. Bio-medical technological breakthroughs have made possible what was previously only theoretical, forcing us to confront in more depth questions about human life and dignity.
Department Faculty Achievements
Dr. Pat Lee Testifies Before Congressional Panel
Dr. Pat Lee Testifies Before Congressional PanelFranciscan University bioethicist asserts that fundamental right to life begins at moment of conception.March 03, 2016 STEUBENVILLE, OH—Testifying March 2 at the U.S. Capitol before the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives, Dr. Patrick Lee, director of Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Center for Bioethics, said, “Governmental funding of abortion…
Department Media
MA Program's Podcast
Interviews with faculty at Franciscan University of Steubenville about their recent publications. Philosophy professors Brandon Dahm and Robert McNamara and psychology professor Matthew Breuninger host.
Department Faculty
