Philosophy Major

Philosophy Major

Philosophy

Major

Philosophy is the original home of critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and systematic argumentation. Its work demands clarity, objectivity, sound reasoning, fairness, and good writing. The study of philosophy builds conceptual skills exportable to any branch of the Army and to all professions, skills essential to leadership.

Offered by the Department of Law & Philosophy.

"It is to the skills and lessons I acquired in the study of art, philosophy, and literature that I turned most frequently and used each and every day to understand, to communicate, to educate, and to motivate others in helping me accomplish my military responsibilities."

- GEN(Ret) Eric Shinseki, ‘65, former Chief of Staff of the Army

Are you the kind of person who asks big questions - about right and wrong, justice, leadership, or the meaning of service? Do you enjoy debating ideas, challenging assumptions, and exploring how values shape decisions? If so, the Philosophy major at the United States Military Academy (West Point) gives you the chance to develop your mind, sharpen your character, and prepare to lead in some of the most ethically complex environments in the world. 

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about life, knowledge, ethics, and human purpose. At West Point, the Philosophy major focuses on They explore questions like:

  • What does it mean to be a good leader?
  • When is the use of force justified?
  • How do we balance duty, loyalty, and justice?
  • What is truth - and how do we know it?

These aren’t just classroom questions - they directly affect the real-world choices military leaders face. 

The scope of philosophy is much wider than the Ethics and Just War theory units studied in PY201 (Philosophy and Ethical Reasoning). Besides ethics, philosophy investigates the very nature of human knowledge; the relationship between mind and matter; and fundamental principles of the kind that underlie religion, science, and politics. The study of philosophy also has a significant cultural dimension. It challenges us to understand attitudes, beliefs and arguments from societies more or less remote from our own. Doing philosophy is a superior example of critical thinking at work, thanks to the high value it places in all its courses on systematic investigation, conceptual analysis, and cogent reasoning. West Point's philosophy major is designed to ensure breadth and to encourage depth. It also provides opportunities to pursue further study in the ethics of war. The intellectual skills and experience that a philosophy major fosters are beneficial to the Army. The future officer in whom these skills take root will be an asset to any branch.

Why Choose Philosophy at USMA?

The USMA philosophy major pushes cadets to investigate the very nature of human knowledge; the relationship between mind and matter; and fundamental principles of the kind that underlie religion, science, and politics. The study of philosophy also has a significant cultural dimension. It challenges cadets to understand attitudes, beliefs and arguments from other societies. West Point's philosophy major is designed to ensure breadth and to encourage depth. Majors will learn to do the following:

  • analyze and construct philosophical arguments
  • show competency in logic and other core areas of philosophy
  • become familiar with major historical areas, figures, and problems of philosophy
  • understand philosophical ideas within their historical and cultural contexts
  • think and write in a rigorous and precise manner
  • use critical thinking skills to provide original or innovative approaches to philosophical problems
  • apply philosophical methods in a variety of contexts at the personal and social levels
  • apply philosophical methods across disciplinary boundaries to a broad range of issues in the modern world 

“Studying philosophy has broadened my perspective and provided me the necessary tools to effectively build consensus with host-nation leaders, locals, and both national and international partners. It has made me a far more reflective-thinker; I better examine problems, analyze critical information, and articulate arguments that compel action. Philosophy develops many of the competencies and attributes necessary to excel in the Army and on the battlefield." 

- LTC Tim Leone '03

What To Do With This Major

With a Philosophy degree from West Point, graduates are prepared to:

  • Lead with moral clarity and intellectual strength as an Army officer
  • Pursue careers in law, policy, public service, or education
  • Continue your studies in graduate school or seminary
  • Serve in roles that demand wisdom, ethics, and complex decision-making
  • Be the kind of leader who can think for themselves - and think of others

Interested Cadets

Do you ever wonder why we exist, what makes something right or wrong, or how to make hard decisions as a leader? If you're the kind of person who thinks deeply, asks bold questions, and wants to lead with clarity and character, then the Philosophy major at West Point is for you.

Philosophy isn’t just about ancient thinkers and abstract ideas - it’s about developing the kind of mind that can lead others through today’s most challenging moral, strategic, and global issues.

Why Consider This Major

Ifa cadet enjoys thinking big, asking “why,” debating important ideas, and wanting to be more than just a follower of rules - but a shaper of them - philosophy gives them the mental and moral foundation to lead in any field. At West Point, it’s not just about abstract ideas- it’s about living honorably, choosing wisely, and leading others in high-stakes, high-pressure situations.

Cadets graduate with a strong mind, a clear moral compass, no student debt, and the ability to lead with both intellect and integrity.

Philosophy Matters

The scope of philosophy is much wider than the Ethics and Just War theory units studied in PY201 (Philosophy and Ethical Reasoning). Besides ethics, philosophy investigates the very nature of human knowledge; the relationship between mind and matter; and fundamental principles of the kind that underlie religion, science, and politics. The study of philosophy also has a significant cultural dimension. It challenges us to understand attitudes, beliefs and arguments from societies more or less remote from our own. Doing philosophy is a superior example of critical thinking at work, thanks to the high value it places in all its courses on systematic investigation, conceptual analysis, and cogent reasoning. West Point's philosophy major is designed to ensure breadth and to encourage depth. It also provides opportunities to pursue further study in the ethics of war. The intellectual skills and experience that a philosophy major fosters are beneficial to the Army. The future officer in whom these skills take root will be an asset to any branch.

What Cadets Learn

Philosophy helps cadets think better, write more clearly, and lead more wisely. In this major, they explore:

  • Ethics and Moral Reasoning – how to make tough choices in combat, command, and life
  • Logic and Argument – how to build strong arguments and spot weak ones
  • Political Philosophy – how power, justice, and freedom shape societies
  • Human Nature and the Soul – what it means to be human, and how we understand meaning
  • Philosophy of War – what makes war just—or unjust—and how leaders should approach it

Cadets tackle timeless questions with modern relevance - and leave with the tools to lead with both head and heart. They read powerful texts, write persuasive essays, and debate challenging issues - all while developing the intellectual discipline that great leaders rely on.

Choice of Electives

Cadets choose electives that challenge their thinking and deepen their worldview, such as:

  • Philosophy of War – explore the ethics and strategy behind armed conflict
  • Just War Theory – learn how military leaders make ethical decisions in war
  • Ancient and Modern Philosophy – study thinkers from Plato to Kant
  • Existentialism – explore freedom, choice, and what gives life meaning
  • Moral Dilemmas for Leaders – apply ethics to real-world military and leadership scenarios

Learn More

Philosophy majors have a number of enrichment opportunities including attendance of the Mid-Hudson Philosophy Society Annual conference, participation in the  Ethics of War Annual Conference Partnership with Villanova University, presentations at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs Panel, as well as the opportunity to present work at various undergraduates conferences or in journals. 

Honor Societies

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Law & Philosophy or the center associated with this department/area of study.