Our Mission

The URI Philosophy Department is dedicated to equipping our majors, minors, and all students with the skills to think deeply and critically in their post-graduate lives. Our students learn to analyze arguments using a range of philosophical tools, from ancient traditions to contemporary methodologies. They develop critical reasoning skills, engaging with fundamental questions that shape human experience. They gain the ability to interpret and evaluate complex texts—not just to understand their content, but to think beyond them and formulate their own perspectives.In every course—whether theoretical, applied, or experiential—students learn to think philosophically, applying their classroom learning to the world around them. 

We believe philosophy is valuable for all students, regardless of their major, and we actively contribute to URI’s General Education program while fostering interdepartmental and intercollegiate collaboration. Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate the next generation of philosophically engaged thinkers—individuals who can navigate complex ideas, contribute to meaningful discourse, and bring thoughtful inquiry into all aspects of life.