Department of Philosophy Vision Statement

General Framework for Departmental Mission

Since 1971, the Valdosta State University Department of Philosophy has provided one of only five Major Programs in Philosophy in the University System of Georgia, and is currently the only institution offering a Philosophy Major for Georgia residents in the southern half of the state. Due in part to this unique challenge, the Philosophy department faculties are indeed sensitive to the breadth and depth of our academic mission at the University.

Philosophy graduates pursue a variety of post-graduate studies and careers, and all students who major in Philosophy study a rich and diverse spectrum of ideas, great thinkers, problems and arguments. They are challenged by questions and issues central to the history of philosophy, and confront a wide range of topics in the areas of reasoning and argumentation, values, religious studies, philosophy of science, and special topics of central concern to the rich heritage of Philosophy. Through a fertile and liberal education, all philosophy students are challenged to develop an appreciation of the multi-disciplinary richness of culture and intellectual history.

In addition to offering a versatile and individually-designed major, the Department is proud of its success with our continued mission of serving the entire University community through coursework designed and offered for majors in all five Colleges at the University. We enjoy a close colleagueship and collaboration with our academic peers, and pledge respect for the diversity of the students we serve. Three university-wide Minor Programs are offered by the Department: a Minor in Philosophy, a Minor in Professional and Applied Ethics, and a Minor in Religious Studies. As such, all students have an opportunity for a Minor concentration that compliments their major programs. Moreover, the Department provides and maintains an academic environment that encourages critical, independent thinking, and a free and open exchange of ideas.

The Department promotes a faculty dedicated to scholarship, deeply committed to professional ethics, and devoted to the essential importance of excellence in teaching and research. We encourage the use of departmental resources by the University and local and regional communities we serve, and strive to work in concert with those in related academic disciplines and areas of interest. Philosophy faculty offer community programs, and provide expertise for individuals and groups in our general outreach area. Through expanded utilization of technology in education, the Department delivers much needed off-campus coursework and programming, conducted by means of Distance Learning, and over the World Wide Web and evolving Internet technology.

Within this broad framework defined through teaching excellence, service to the University and to the community, and research, the Department of Philosophy has established an expanded vision for the next five years, through the year 2005; as such, we will be characterized by:

Students who master the basic skills of research, critical reasoning, independent thinking and collaboration, requisite for continued education, leadership and lifetime learning.

Students who gain competence in the major traditions of philosophy,including an understanding of the history of ideas, and who experience recent trends and contemporary figures on the cutting edge of the discipline.

Expanded service to the University and region by the Department's unique Center for Professional and Applied Ethics, to be re-named 'Center for Social, Professional and Applied Ethics,' the only such center in the southeast, which will host regional meetings, and will serve as a resource for assisting institutions, community organizations, and individuals in the vital areas of applied ethics. Annual conferences and speakers will highlight public dialogue over a variety of important topics and problems in the field.

A comprehensive curriculum in Religious Studies that is informed by History of Religions, Religious Thought and Religious Ethics. Traditional Western approaches are complemented by multi-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives. Excellence in Religious Studies programming and resources for the University and community will include the development of an annual speakers series, and the establishment of a recognized regional center for integrated religious studies.

Undergraduate and Graduate instruction that explores experimental pedagogic methods. We are committed to a concept of education designed to broaden students' horizons via multi-media presentations and field experience as well as exercises in applied education. Encouragement of outstanding students' participation at professional meetings is also included under this rubric.

Interdisciplinary perspectives that inform undergraduate and graduate seminars among faculty and students in Philosophy/Religious Studies and the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. Issues in Women's Studies and in African American and Hispanic Studies will be articulated in the context of courses in Ethics, Philosophy and Religious Studies. We will continue our support of the Honor's Program with special topics seminars and Honor's level course offerings from our expanding curriculum.

A world class, diverse faculty who are dedicated to excellence in teaching, who inspire excellence in their students, and who respect the diversity and backgrounds of all those who entrust their education to the Department of Philosophy. Through research and grants, Philosophy faculty will continue to be recognized for their scholarly endeavors.

Nationally and internationally recognized leadership in the utilization of education and communication technology over the Internet and the World Wide Web. A universally-accessible site for exchanging resources in Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics will highlight this feature of the departmental global vision.

To the Philosophy Homepage