The Philosophy Department at UIC is among the best in the country—many of its members have strong national and international reputations. Our classes are typically reasonably small, allowing students greater direct contact with teachers than is usual for a large university. The Department (comprising faculty, graduate students, and staff) has established a reputation for being personally diverse, approachable, and friendly.<br><br>Philosophers think deeply about questions that occur to everyone from time to time. In their courses, they address such questions: What is the source of happiness. Can they have knowledge of the external world, ourselves, God. What is the relationship between the mind and the body. What is the proper attitude to have towards our death. By examining various arguments that attempt to answer these kinds of difficult but important questions, philosophers develop the powerful and prized skills and qualities of reasoning, critical thinking, and ability to appreciate different perspectives.<br><br>On this page, they have gathered some information about the value of doing a major or a minor in philosophy. Philosophy courses vary tremendously in what they take up; they welcome you to explore whichever themes interest you. In addition, we have listed philosophy courses that relate directly to specific goals and careers.