Philosophy

Are you puzzled by the great mysteries of life? The Universe as a whole, its origins, limits, destiny; God, miracles, the afterlife; the human condition, body, mind and soul? If so, philosophy is for you. For more than 2000 years philosophers have grappled with these and other perennial questions, providing answers that are surprising and basic to so much that we take for granted in our everyday lives. Here is the opportunity to join in the conversation that goes back to the ancients, Aristotle, Plato and Socrates, a discussion which today includes not just the theoretical, but the practical, including the ethics of cloning human beings, fetal research for medical purposes, world poverty, intelligence -- artificial and otherwise, money -- does it make any sense?
 

Why Choose Philosophy As A Major?

While all Suffolk Community College students are invited to take our philosophy classes and participate in our activities, philosophy majors (those who register in the Humanities Emphasis ­ Philosophy Option) will receive individual attention in preparing their program of study at SCCC. Our faculty and staff will get to know you, your interests, plans, academic needs, and we will guide you accordingly. No longer just a face in the crowd, you will be part of our department, invited to our faculty student get-togethers, our meetings and especially our annual Spring Philosophy Conference.
 

What Can I Do With Philosophy?

Philosophy is a broad based discipline that provides the foundation for all of our leading institutions, law, politics, the arts, medicine, religion, the sciences and education. The SCCC philosophy major can enter any of these professions upon successful completion of the program, or go on to achieve higher degrees in philosophy with the objective of teaching the subject. While philosophy is traditionally taught at institutions of higher learning, today many high schools and even grade schools offer pre-college classes in the field.
 

What Are the Requirements for Admission?

An 80 high school academic average or a minimum 3.0 cumulative college index. Recognizing that even some of the greats may not have satisfied these standards (Socrates, who never wrote anything of his own, as far as we know, may have been illiterate) we do make exceptions. Talk to us if you are interested.
 

How to Contact Us for More Information:

Call us at the following phone number: (631)451-4093;  send us an e-mail at the following address: kleimal@sunysuffolk.edu; or just stop into the Philosophy Department, Ammerman Campus, Southampton Building, H-117.