Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Department of Philosophy College of Arts and Sciences

Why Study Philosophy?

Does free will exist? Can computers think? Is there a God? What is the meaning of life? Is abortion morally wrong? Can anyone really know anything at all? By studying such difficult questions, students of philosophy learn to read texts carefully, analyze concepts, draw careful distinctions, recognize hidden assumptions, construct and critique arguments, and explain complex ideas. These are valuable skills for all kinds of professions.

Major in PhilosophyFacultyCareers

Philosophy in the classroom


As a pre-medical student, I truly appreciate how my professors have made the information relevant and personal to my interest in both philosophy and life sciences. They are extremely supportive, kind, and have always pushed me both in my classes and in my outside philosophy endeavors.

– Tanvee Sinha ’21

Latest News

  • UAB professors receive competitive national awards for excellence in philosophy teaching, scholarship
    Brynn Welch, Ph.D., has received the 2024 David W. Concepción Prize for Excellence in Philosophy Teaching, and Lindsay Brainard, Ph.D., received the 2024 Article Prize.
  • 2024 recipient of the Ireland Award for Scholarly Distinction is Kevin McCain
    When Kevin McCain, Ph.D., first visited the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s campus back in 2012, he felt an immediate connection to the city of Birmingham.
  • Buchwalter’s time at UAB has led to a variety of pursuits, from teaching to TikTok
    “There was just something about her raw curiosity and desire for knowledge that made teaching something I wanted to pursue,” said Buchwalter, who went on to major in history—with a double minor in philosophy and criminal justice—and later earn a master’s in social science education. “I absolutely fell in love with working with those kids, so I pivoted into education.”
More News