The core of the program consists of history of philosophy courses and such traditional areas of philosophic study as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, the philosophy of language, and aesthetics. In addition, several courses taught each year are determined in accordance with faculty and student interests at the time. These are often seminars devoted to the work of one major philosopher; for example, Plato, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, William James, Sartre, or Wittgenstein.

Students moderating in philosophy are expected to have taken three courses in philosophy while in the Lower College. Although no specific courses are required prior to Moderation, students intending to concentrate in philosophy generally take one of the Introduction to Philosophy courses, which provide an orientation to philosophic methodologies, styles of inquiry, and common themes of philosophic concern in texts ranging from Platonic dialogues to 20th-century works. A concentration in philosophy normally involves taking eight to twelve courses, of which at least half are in the Upper College. Juniors are required to take the seminar on Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. Students intending to apply to graduate schools in philosophy are strongly encouraged to take symbolic logic, at least one course in ancient philosophy, at least two courses in modern philosophy (17th through 19th centuries), at least one course in 20th-century philosophy, and at least one course in ethics. The student determines the topic of his or her Senior Project in consultation with an adviser.

Several courses of a philosophical nature are taught in other programs of the College; for example, in history, religion, political science, literature, and the history and philosophy of science. A combined concentration in philosophy and religion may be arranged. Historically, the discipline of philosophy has tended to be very expansive in the scope of its interests, exploring issues across the fields of natural science, social science, literature, and the arts. In this spirit, students concentrating in philosophy are encouraged to investigate possibilities for enriching their study of philosophy by making connections with other disciplines.

The philosophy course list is divided into five categories: introductory courses; historical courses; ethics; logic, epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, and philosophy of language; and single-philosopher seminars. Courses numbered in the 100s are introductory courses. Those numbered in the 200s, while more specialized in content, also are generally appropriate as first courses in philosophy. Courses numbered in the 300s are more advanced and require previous courses in philosophy and permission of the instructor for admission.