Philosophy Department
Philosophy at Saint Mary's College
A philosophy degree from Saint Mary’s College does more than prepare you for a career—it calls you to reflect on life’s most essential questions: What is truth? What is good? What is the point of a human life? Is there a God and how can we know?
We believe that reason and faith are two wings of the same dove—together, they lift us toward life’s ultimate meaning. Because of that, we consider no question off limits and no idea too large or too small to explore.
Our recent graduates have entered fields as diverse as education, law, nonprofit leadership, medicine, finance, and technology. They leave with not only a degree but a sharpened sense of purpose.
Philosophy at Saint Mary’s empowers you not just to make a living—but to live wisely.
Why Study Philosophy?
A philosophy degree is more than an academic pursuit; it’s a toolkit for analyzing the world, thinking deeply, and solving complex problems. Far from being confined to ivory towers, philosophy graduates find success across a range of industries—politics, technology, law, finance, and management—where their training in ethics, logic, and argumentation sets them apart.
Philosophy doesn't limit you—it frees you to lead in unexpected arenas.
Philosophy cultivates the ability to make sense of complexity, think independently, and communicate with clarity—skills that are not only transferable but transformative in today’s world.
Ancient Insight, Modern Impact
Even in ancient times, the practical value of philosophy was clear. Plato argued that philosophy uniquely equips a person to succeed in any field, and he illustrated this through the story of Thales. Thales, a philosopher often mocked for being “useless” because he preferred thinking to making money, proved the critics wrong. Drawing on his study of the natural world, he correctly predicted an abundant harvest. Acting on this insight, he rented all the winepresses in advance at a low rate and later leased them out at a premium—turning philosophical insight into real-world profit.
Philosophy teaches more than theory—it trains the mind to see what others miss and to act boldly on reasoned predictions.
This story, recorded by Aristotle, is a reminder that the skills honed in philosophy—observation, pattern recognition, and rational foresight—can yield tangible results.
From Thought to Action: Philosophy in the Real World
This ancient lesson remains powerfully relevant today. Consider George Soros, who studied philosophy under Karl Popper at the London School of Economics. Popper’s concept of reflexivity—the idea that markets do not merely reflect reality but actively shape it—gave Soros a deeper grasp of financial dynamics. This insight enabled him to anticipate how perception drives behavior, ultimately leading to his famous 1992 bet against the British government. His actions forced Britain out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism and earned him over a billion dollars in a single day.
Soros’s edge wasn’t based solely on financial acumen—it came from fundamental philosophical training. He is not alone philosophy graduates regularly have an outsized role in public leadership as demonstrated by Hillary Clinton, Pete Butigeg, Neil Gorsuch and RFK Jr who all majored in philosophy.
Philosophy in Technology and Innovation
The same holds true in the tech world. Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack, earned a philosophy degree from the University of Victoria. His background gave him a unique lens on human behavior, communication, and ethical design—principles that shaped a workplace platform used around the world. Likewise, Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and prominent venture capitalist, studied philosophy at Stanford. Thiel credits his success to the way philosophy taught him to challenge conventional thinking, develop a contrarian mindset, and seek transformative innovation.
Philosophy helps leaders not just think differently—but more deeply.
These are not outliers. Across industries, philosophy majors bring uncommon insight and integrity to leadership, design, and decision-making.
Philosophy and the Arts
Philosophy doesn't just inform business and technology—it also fuels creativity in the arts. Ethan Coen, one half of the acclaimed Coen Brothers filmmaking duo, studied philosophy at Princeton before creating some of the most intellectually layered and darkly comic films in modern cinema. His background in metaphysics and existentialism is evident in works like No Country for Old Men and A Serious Man, which explore fate, free will, and the absurd. Likewise, singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, who studied philosophy in college, infuses her music with themes of nostalgia, identity, and metaphysical longing. Her lyrics often reflect a melancholic awareness of time, beauty, and meaning—hallmarks of philosophical reflection.
Philosophy offers artists a touchstone to fundamental reality, as well as questions, and frameworks through which to understand the human experience and express it in powerful, original ways.
What Philosophy Gives You
A philosophy degree offers more than content—it trains the mind itself. Students develop:
- Clarity of thought under pressure
- Ethical reasoning in complex contexts
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Intellectual flexibility and creativity
- Strategic insight grounded in logic
Philosophy teaches you how to outthink your opponents and perceive value where others miss it.
Rather than prepare you for one specific job, it equips you to thrive in any field by sharpening your most essential capacities.
Henning Institute
Learn about the John F. Henning Institute, our center for the study of Catholic social thought and the common good.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Patrick Downey - Department Chair
pdowney@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4455
Cathleen Huston - Administrative Assistant
cwh4@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4467