Philosophy

Critical Thinking Starts Here

The Philosophy Department welcomes students from all majors. We teach a variety of courses designated PHIL and PHIL&. Students take our courses to fulfill degree requirements, to learn transferable career skills, and for personal interest and life enrichment.

Philosophy courses enable students to develop their critical thinking, argument construction, and communication skills. This is done while addressing some of humanity’s most interesting and longstanding questions, e.g.

What is right and wrong?
Do we really know what we think know?
What is justice?
Does God exist?
What is art?

The Associate of Arts DTA degree at Highline College allows you to transfer to a bachelor’s philosophy program at a four-year college or university.

student talking

Learn more

Request Information

Apply Now

What is Philosophy Class Like?

Not like other classes. Philosophy students often say that philosophy class is not like other classes they have taken. What do they mean by that?
In philosophy class you explore interesting and difficult questions about being human—you read, write, and take part in exciting conversations. You learn some history, but it’s not a history class. The core of philosophy class is careful, critical thinking. You practice the skills that help you develop and explore your own views about life. There is no answer sheet. Each person needs to build, test, and justify their own understanding.

Think about interesting questions
How do you know what is real? Does the soul exist? How can you tell when you really know something and when it just feels like you know? What is justice? Is equality the same as fairness? Do you really have any control over your own actions? What is the measure of right and wrong? What makes something art?
Sort things out with critical thinking
You learn to think critically by reading, considering, writing, and having conversations.

In philosophy class, you develop the skills of close reading, clear writing, and logical analysis. Critical thinking is about sorting things out—breaking a big question down into smaller questions. You decide which questions need to be answered first. You consider other perspectives. You look for the answer with the best justification.
Take your reading skills up a notch
You read difficult stuff. Your vocabulary expands. You learn to read closely and carefully, so that you have the confidence to understand and evaluate what you are reading. You learn how to ask the kinds of questions that improve your understanding.
Speak your mind
In philosophy class, you are encouraged to have your own opinion. You examine your own opinion. This may feel awkward, and scary, and empowering. Develop the ability and confidence to justify your ideas to others.