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Each year, the Social Sciences Division of the College of Arts and Sciences hosts a networking event that brings alumni back to meet with students looking to make the transition from college to the working world. We encourage you to come back and meet with the students and share your experiences since graduation. Pleasecontact us for more information.
Take a class! Visit our courses page to view classes currently available, and then contact us for more information.
Come curious. Leave inspired. Wherever you are, the University of Washington offers opportunities to learn and connect with the ideas, people, and research shaping our world. This summer, visit campus for the latest exhibitions at the Henry Art Gallery and Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, or join us from anywhere through recorded lectures, podcasts, virtual experiences, and more. As a public university, we’re proud to share the knowledge, creativity, and discoveries of the UW with…
These days, most of us offer a qualified answer to even the simplest of questions: How are you? There’s so much to take into consideration given the chaotic state of the world, divisive national politics, and local budgetary issues. Even on a gloriously sunny summer day in the Emerald City, on the grounds of one of the most beautiful campuses in the US, it can sometimes be difficult to appreciate what we have. Still, the poets and philosophers teach us to pause and notice the beauty of the…
Congratulations to all our 2026 graduates!We held our ceremony June 8, 2025 at the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House, continuing the wonderful tradition of a Philosophy Departmental Graduation. Over half of the class of 2026, both undergraduate and graduates, were able to attend, bringing over 350 of their family and friends to celebrate with them. Our alumni speaker was Jasmin Weaver, the Chief of Staff for the King County Executive, a 2002 UW…
In his new memoir, Department of Philosophy alum Kim Thayil, '85, reflects on Soundgarden, Seattle's music scene and his journey from UW student to '90s rock icon.
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on University of Washington Magazine
Earlier this month on February 13, 2026, Philosophy Graduate Student Daniel Galley successfully defended his dissertation titled: "The Ethics of Persuasion". He was overseen by a committee consisting of Philosophy faculty members Michael Blake, Colin Marshall, and José Mendoza. In this dissertation, I use ‘persuasion’ to refer to the provision of reasons offered with the intention of changing the target’s mind on some moral matter. A key premise that underlies much of this dissertation is…
Earlier this month on December 11, 2025, Philosophy Graduate Student Aaron Barker successfully defended his dissertation titled: "Schopenhauer on Character, Cognition, and Moral Responsibility". He was overseen by a committee consisting of Ellwood Wiggins, Chair of German Studies. Along with fellow Philosophy faculty members Colin Marshall, Paul Franco and Shawn Wang.His dissertation addresses some of the central features of Arthur Schopenhauer's theory of action. It does so through three…
Last month, on August 21st, 2025, Philosophy Graduate Student Sofia Huerter successfully defended their dissertation titled: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: Domestication, Disability, and Moral Repair". They were overseen by a committee consisting of Jamie Mayerfeld, Department Chair of Law, Societies, & Justice. Along with fellow Philosophy faculty members Michael Blake, Sara Goering, Department Chair and Colin Marshall. The abstract for their dissertation is as follows: …
Earlier this month on August 15th, 2025, Philosophy Graduate Student Kyle O'Dwyer successfully defended his dissertation titled: "Deflationary Challenges and Essentialism". He was overseen by a committee consisting of Michael Raven, a Philosophy professor from University of Victoria. Rob Rhee, Chair of Interdisciplinary Visual Art, at the school of Art + Art History + Design. Along with fellow Philosophy faculty members Sosseh Assaturian, Paul Franco and Colin Marshall.
The…
We made it to the summer! I hope that you are able to enjoy a somewhat slower pace in the coming months, with time to reflect and revel in the lengthy days of summer. If you’re looking for reading recommendations, check out our faculty summer reading list.
This has been a challenging year on campus, with grant terminations, international student visa revocations, significant budget cuts and more. Academic institutions across the country are under fire, and trying to figure out how to maintain…
Congratulations to all our 2025 graduates!
We held our ceremony June 11, 2025 at the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House, continuing the wonderful tradition of a Philosophy Departmental Graduation. Over half of the class of 2025, both undergraduate and graduates, were able to attend, bringing over 200 of their family and friends to celebrate with them.
Our alumni speaker was Miriam Korngold, Therapist for A Mental Health Space and Attorney for Korngold…
