Welcome to the Philosophy Department at Oakland University

Philosophy is the analysis and evaluation of basic assumptions. We all make assumptions: about reality, about human nature and human reasoning, about knowledge, about right and wrong. Philosophers try to identify the most fundamental assumptions people make and develop ways of testing them for reliability. Ultimately, philosophy is concerned with the examination and development of a coherent view of the world and our place in it.

The Oakland Philosophy Department Web pages bring you a number of philosophical resources. They contain links about members of the Oakland philosophy community and their publications, links about the Philosophy Club at Oakland University, and many links to resources of broader philosophical interest, such as the Logic Cafe, the only interactive and completely online logic textbook and tutor.

NEWS

October 2008: The Philosophy Dept. is pleased to welcome Lawrence Lombard of Wayne State University for a presentation titled "What is Metaphysics and How is it Possible?" on Wednesday, November 5th, 4:00-6:00 pm in the Oakland Room of the Oakland Center. All are welcome to attend!

September 2008: The Philosophy Dept. is pleased to welcome Peter Brian Barry, Ph.D., of Saginaw Valley State University for a presentation titled "Mirrors, Saints, and Evil People" on Thursday, October 9th, 4:00-6:00 pm in 235 Elliott Hall. All are welcome to attend!

The Philosophy Club is recruiting new members! Any student can participate-you don't have to be a philosophy major to join. Two informational start-up meetings will be held in the Philosophy Dept. Lounge (334 O'Dowd Hall): Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2:00-3:00 pm, and Wednesday, Sept. 24, 11:00 am-noon. If you'd like more information, please plan to attend one of these meetings or contact Faculty Advisor, Patricia Trentacoste, 248-370-3391 or trentaco@oakland.edu. We hope to see you there!

August 2008: Mark Rigstad has been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, with tenure.

June 2008: Mark Navin of University of Pennsylvania, will join Oakland's Philosophy Department this fall.

Daniel C. Dennett of Tufts University will be our fourth annual Burke Lecturer. Dennett will be on campus for a variety of philosophical gatherings on Monday and Tuesday, April 6th & 7th, 2009, and his public lecture on philosophy of religion will be at 6:30 pm Monday evening in the Banquet Rooms.