Profile
The Bachelor of Arts programme at the Department of Philosophy offers a first-class foundation course that is both a prerequisite for a subsequent master’s programme and the basis for further vocational training. Philosophy students acquire a high level of problem-solving expertise, flexibility of thought, and analytical reasoning ability. This provides them with essential skills that enable them to better understand ambiguous interlinked issues in an increasingly complex world. The Department of Philosophy provides students with a diverse range of classes in practical philosophy (moral, political and social philosophy), theoretical philosophy (the philosophy of mind and language) and the history of philosophy. Students are supported via a mentoring scheme from the start of their studies. This guarantees an intensive personal exchange between students and teaching staff.
Team of the Department of Philosophy
The course focuses on historical and systematic aspects of philosophy. The Department’s range of courses is centred on the main currents of the history of philosophy, which is taught in an issue-based manner that takes into account current debates. The main focal points of systematic philosophy are epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, political philosophy, along with cultural and social philosophy (critical Theory). The main focal points of historical philosophy are Ancient Greek philosophy, the schottish Enlightenment philosophy and the philosophy of the 20th century through to the present day.
Interdisciplinary study is a unique feature of study at the University of Lucerne. Philosophy does not exist in isolation, but rather is intertwined with historical, cultural and philosophical processes of development. Philosophical theories can therefore only be appropriately understood and evaluated when these diverse processes and their impact on theory construction have been adequately taken into account. The department engages in joint projects with other faculty institutes that offer interdisciplinary courses that are also recognised as study achievements in the subject of philosophy. These joint projects cover culture, history, politics and society. There is also close collaboration with sub-disciplines in other faculties (Law, Theology) for which the main themes require more in-depth teaching. This applies especially to legal philosophy.
The Department of Philosophy is committed to providing first-class teaching and education with individual supervision, work in small groups, and a close connection to the department’s senior teaching and research associates. The excellent support network makes it easy to contact teaching staff and promotes more in-depth professional contact outside of the institutional framework. From the outset, department employees view students as equal partners in an open discourse that is aimed at providing new learning opportunities for all, and fostering individual development.
"The Department of Philosophy is relatively small and offers me the opportunity to network with teaching staff and my fellow students outside of class. I really enjoy that."
Niek Rogger, MA philosophy student