我们的目标是在学生中发展对西方和非西方哲学的历史，系统和应用维度的日益复杂，反思和全面的理解。我们进一步寻求发展一种承诺，尤其是在我们的专业领域，致力于反思性地研究哲学主要领域中最重要的问题，对它们进行合理的推理，为与他们有关的对话做出有意义的和有见识的贡献，并致力于能够将这些知识应用于社会，政治，全球，环境，生态，科学和其他现实世界中。
The San Diego State Department of Philosophy is committed to excellence in teaching and research in both Western and non-Western traditions and contemporary approaches to philosophy as is befitting of truly accomplished faculty members. The department extends the role of philosophy beyond the university through publications by both faculty and students and its standing in the profession through the application of philosophy to social, political, global, environmental, ecological, scientific, and other real-world contexts often but not only through its Institute for Ethics and Public Affairs, which engages community members and alumni. The department fosters a climate of mutual respect and support among diverse faculty and students engaged in scholarship, learning, and service that embraces diversity, respect for historical traditions (both Western and non-Western), and the pursuit of knowledge in traditional and contemporary approaches to philosophy. Because of this, and because of the University's resources and location, the department has the potential to become one of the premier undergraduate philosophy departments in California. It continuously strives in fulfilling this potential and in sustaining a reputation that enhances the visibility of San Diego State University.