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Students in conversation on campus.

Philosophy Department

Overview

What is reality? What does it mean to be human? What is knowledge, justice and love? The study of philosophy at McDaniel is characterized by critical inquiry, intellectual courage, and compassionate understanding as we approach these questions and explore the works of great thinkers from antiquity to the present.

Hear about the study of philosophy from Green Terrors. Video by Philosophy major Reuben Hubbard '23. 

Philosophy Student Spotlights

Emem Akpan

Class of 2021: Emem Akpan Political Science and Philosophy Major

"As a Political Science major, I can definitely say that I have loved every class I have taken within this department, but I can also say the same for every Philosophy class as well. Both disciplines have blessed me with an abundance of knowledge that is simply invaluable. In Political Science, every class has allowed me to challenge the way the world is while challenging myself to be the change I would like to see in our society. Every Philosophy class has afforded me the opportunity to better understand exactly what I can change as a human being and how I can commence in that pursuit," Emem says.

Reuben Hubbard Class of 2023

Class of 2023: Reuben Hubbard Get to Know a Green Terror

Reuben Hubbard is a Philosophy major with a deep appreciation for art. His capstone, “Hands: an Aesthetic of Wittgensteinian Wonder,” combines his art and philosophy knowledge — plus a more than 30-foot scroll of hands drawn by Reuben. "[Professor Vera Jakoby] encouraged me on my path to developing my personal philosophy, reassuring me that it was normal and even good for the framework I had been using to fall out from under me; that’s what philosophy is all about. She was also an incredible instructor: compassionate, thoughtful, well-read, brilliant, and flexible."

Meet Graduates of the Philosophy Department

We're proud to call these recent graduates alumni, and prouder still to share a selection of their stories here – told as only they can tell them, in their own words.

Jack Buckley
Class of 2023 / Philosophy, Political Science

Reuben Hubbard
Class of 2023 / Philosophy

Emem Akpan
Class of 2021 / Philosophy, Political Science

Max Sweeney
Class of 2024 / Political Science, Philosophy

Photo of professor Shaeeda Mensah in front of a bookcase in the library.

Shaeeda Mensah, Ph.D. Faculty Spotlight

In Shaeeda Mensah’s classes, no part of life goes unexamined. In Philosophy and Pop Culture, current trends and social media become avenues for philosophical discussion. The assistant professor of Philosophy earned a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College. Her research revolves around philosophies of social and political structures, manifestations of state violence, and Black feminism.

Connect With Us

Dr. Elizabeth Tyler

Department Chair