The ancient Greeks understood philosophy as "the love of wisdom." Today, philosophy deals with speculative issues such as human nature, the structure of reality, God, and the processes involved in human knowledge. It is concerned with practical issues as well, such as the nature of the morally good life, the ideal political society and the construction of the beautiful.

Philosophy also deals with its own history through a study of the great figures and movements from the ancient world to the present. Within the context of the tradition of Jesuit education, philosophy occupies a central, synthesizing role. Thus, it aims at providing the student with the tools needed to reflect in a creative and critical manner about value, society and the nature of reality itself.

The major program in philosophy is designed to provide a sound grounding in the history of Western philosophy through the careful study of the great books of that tradition.