Depaul Philosophy Faculty is home to internationally recognized scholars who bridge analytic rigor with social engagement. The department emphasizes critical reasoning, ethical reflection, and sustained dialogue across diverse traditions.
Faculty members mentor undergraduates through close reading, collaborative research, and community partnerships that connect philosophical inquiry with contemporary public life. This orientation supports both disciplinary depth and civic responsibility.
| Name | Primary Specialty | Key Topics | Office Hours Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles E. Zipp | American Philosophy & Social Thought | Pragmatism, Race, Democracy | Tuesdays 2–4 PM, by appointment |
| Carolyn Korsmeyer | Aesthetics & Emotion | Beauty, Taste, Feminist Theory | Wednesdays 1–3 PM, walk-in |
| Matthew J. Brown | Philosophy of Religion | Naturalism, Pragmatism, Religious Experience | Thursdays 11 AM–1 PM, appointment preferred |
| Lawrence A. Hatab | Continental Philosophy | Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, Ethics | Mondays 9–11 AM, drop-in session |
Historical Formation and Institutional Identity
Origins and Development
The philosophical lineage of DePaul emerges from late-nineteenth-century commitments to accessibility and urban engagement. Early Jesuit and lay influences framed teaching as a dialogical encounter rather than mere transmission.
Integration with Urban Life
Located in Chicago, the department treats the city as both classroom and text. Courses regularly incorporate local cultural institutions, neighborhood histories, and community organizations into philosophical practice.
Core Curriculum and Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Sequence
Required courses introduce students to canonical texts alongside contemporary debates in ethics, logic, and social philosophy. Writing-intensive seminars prepare majors for advanced work.
Master’s and Doctoral Pathways
Graduate study emphasizes original research, seminar leadership, and teaching experience. Students collaborate across fields, including theology, cultural studies, and public policy.
Research Centers and Public Engagement
Key Institutes and Initiatives
The Center for Philosophical Practice and related labs host colloquia, faculty fellows, and public events. These spaces foster interdisciplinary work and community philosophy projects.
Civic Partnerships
Collaborations with schools, libraries, and grassroots organizations extend philosophical inquiry beyond campus. These partnerships support workshops on deliberative democracy, bioethics, and environmental ethics.
Faculty Scholarship and Pedagogical Innovation
Research Profile
Current projects span epistemology, feminist theory, philosophy of race, and aesthetics. Many faculty publish monographs and edited volumes while integrating findings into classroom dialogue.
Experimental Teaching Methods
In addition to traditional lectures, faculty employ case studies, role-play simulations, and community-based learning. These methods aim to connect theory with lived experience.
Commitment to Critical Inquiry and Ethical Responsibility
- Champion rigorous argumentation alongside empathy and humility
- Integrate historical depth with attention to present-day power structures
- Foster inclusive dialogue across difference, including culture, identity, and belief
- Support collaborative research, community partnerships, and public scholarship
- Encourage experimentation in teaching methods and interdisciplinary work
- Prepare students to think clearly, write well, and act responsibly in complex contexts
FAQ
Reader questions
What career paths do DePaul Philosophy graduates typically pursue?
Graduates move into law, public policy, education, nonprofit leadership, technology ethics, and further doctoral study. The department provides advising, internship partnerships, and networking events tailored to career exploration.
How do students engage with Chicago’s intellectual community?
Through partnerships with local museums, libraries, and advocacy groups, students participate in public lectures, teach-ins, and collaborative research. The city functions as an extended site for philosophical events and fieldwork.
What support is available for graduate students in philosophy?
Graduate students receive funding through teaching assistantships, fellowships, and research grants. Mentorship, writing groups, and professional development workshops help prepare them for academic and applied roles.
Are applicants with non-philosophy backgrounds encouraged to apply?
Yes, the department welcomes applicants from diverse undergraduate disciplines. Adcoms value interdisciplinary preparation, reflective writing, and demonstrated engagement with philosophical questions.