Why Study Philosophy at Maynooth
The Department of Philosophy at Maynooth offers its undergraduate students the opportunity to study the Western tradition of philosophy in a lively way that emphasizes the relevance of philosophy to everyday life. Like every other subject, philosophy can get technical, but we never forget the roots of philosophy in the basic questions that people ask about their lives. The coverage of philosophy at Maynooth is broad. We are one of the few European departments today where the rich and influential tradition of medieval philosophy is studied. But we do not forget the origins of Western philosophy in ancient Greece or its post-medieval developments in the Renaissance, modernity, and beyond. In fact, we are particularly strong in phenomenology, which is one of the most important currents of contemporary thought. Thus, the undergraduate student will receive a well-rounded philosophical education at Maynooth.
What does one do with philosophy? Does it get one a job? Philosophy is not a qualification for a particular career; rather, it is a valuable component of general education. Nevertheless, our students often find that the habits which they have picked up as philosophers—habits such as clear expression, independent thinking, and deep questioning—serve them well in the job market. Employers in many different fields value philosophy graduates for their quick intelligence, their ability to reason clearly and independently, and for their ability to take an overview on the problem or situation confronting them.
Postgraduate students will find in the Philosophy Department at Maynooth a range of research strengths. The six members of our staff are well-established in areas such as medieval philosophy, Renaissance philosophy, phenomenology, postmodern thought, and philosophy of religion. (For further information, click on the Research tab.)