Philosophy

Explore the examined life

Our philosophy courses invite students to explore wisdom in an applied manner through studying ethical issues such as environmental and medical ethics, fundamental questions about the nature of existence and whether our identities are socially constructed or not. Students are also invited to compare and explore western philosophy with eastern philosophy and religions through Asian philosophy and World religions courses. Our courses are very interactive and incorporate 21st century teaching methods.

Put Philosophy to the test

Philosophy pushes the boundaries of every discipline to explore questions such as:

How can we live examined lives and apply this critical thinking to our reality?
What is knowledge?
How can we live fulfilling and authentic lives?
Should non-human animals and the environment be given moral consideration?

Studying complex concepts like these prepares students for the rigors of exams. Philosophy majors have the highest scores on the LSAT and GRE compared to other majors. They also score highly (in the top 4 majors) on the GMAT.

Analyze, don’t memorize! When you study philosophy, it’s okay not to know the answer. As you delve into philosophy, you will often find that you will have more questions than answers.
At CLC, you have the opportunity to explore some of life’s most challenging questions in creative and open-ended ways. You’ve already been asking life’s big questions—and now, you finally have a safe and curious space to explore those deep musings.
Small classes = personalized instruction
Your instructors make philosophy relatable to everyday life by using real-world experiences. And, your instructors know you by name—not number. At CLC, the instructors are teachers first, researchers second. They dedicate their careers to helping you learn and understand philosophy.
You learn the same material studied at 4-year schools, while you receive the personal attention and feedback possible only in small class sizes.
Studying philosophy leads to multiple career paths as you are not limited to one single career. However, philosophy lends itself very well to the careers below:
- education
- law
- public Service/nonprofit/diversity, equity and inclusion
- business
- technology

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Transfer Degree

Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Transfer Degree

For students planning to transfer to a 4-year college or university for a bachelor’s degree.

These programs are built around general education classes that lead to an associate degree designed to transfer to a 4-year school. CLC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) to ensure that approved courses will transfer to other participating colleges and universities. Transfer degrees typically take 2 years* to complete.

*Assumes full-time enrollment.

Need help?

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Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

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Transfer Degree
Philosophy
Associate in Arts

Cost

$10,648*
View Details Philosophy

Courses in the program

We offer a wide range of courses in ethics, logic, social and political philosophy, world religions, gender and sexuality—and so much more! We also offer honors sections of ethics and introduction to philosophy.

View Philosophy courses

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.

Chu, Shanti
Instructor, Philosophy 847/543-2960 schu@clcillinois.edu
Hole, Benjamin
Instructor, Philosophy 847/543-2560 bhole@clcillinois.edu
Munk, Rebecca
Instructor, Philosophy 847/543-2559 bmunk@clcillinois.edu
Trimier, Jackie
Instructor, Philosophy/Humanities 847/543-2655 com429@clcillinois.edu