Philosophical Society Revitalized at Concord

Philosophy Society returns to Concord.
Photo Courtesy of concord.edu

This semester, Concord University has reinstated the philosophical society under professor

Dr. Thomas McKenna. First founded in the fall of 2006, the society has been revived from a temporary pause since the membership declined two years ago, with an enthusiastic response.

    “I founded Concord’s Philosophical Society in 2006, when I started teaching here. Its goal is to promote the study of philosophy on campus. Students lead the society, although they do so with my help: they select their own officers, plan the agenda, run the meetings, and organize trips. Its popularity depends on student interest,” says McKenna.

    Traditionally, philosophy clubs read, discuss, and debate philosophical questions in order for members to develop their own answers to fundamental questions. Members of Concord’s Philosophical Society have participated in annual meetings like American Philosophical Association meetings, gaining opportunities to see professional philosophers present their research for discussion and debate. They have traveled to Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Washington, DC. 

    Philosophy literally means the love (philia) of wisdom (sophia), and its focus is the most fundamental questions in our lives. “David Cooper, a prominent British philosopher, lists three broad questions that define the scope of philosophical inquiry: what is the nature of reality; what is our place within it; and, after we have answered those questions, we can finally decide how we should live our lives. Many people think philosophy is impractical, but I’ve always thought it’s the most practical of all disciplines,” says McKenna.

    Morgan Bibbee, President of the Philosophical Society, began her studies in philosophy during her sophomore year of college before transferring to Concord. “I started with an intro level ethics course, and was hooked from there. Ethics is such an important branch because the theories within it can be applied in day to day life,” Bibbee says. She believes that it would be beneficial for anyone to take at least one philosophy class, as it encourages critical thinking and requires students to open their minds to cultures and ideas that they typically may not. 

    “My time here at Concord in the philosophy program has been extremely beneficial. It has strengthened my writing and research skills, and has given me the ability to analyze arguments from all different perspectives to truly gain insight on a topic or subject, which in turn is going to help me in graduate programs, and my future career,” Bibbee says.

    Concord offers an introductory series in the history of philosophy, including courses in logic, as logical analysis is the principle method of research in philosophy. Along with this, the philosophy department provides a series of courses in various branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, religion, and a senior research seminar requiring students to submit their research to peer-reviewed undergraduate research journals. 

    “My favorite philosophy class I have taken at Concord would be Metaphysics, or World 

Religions,” Bibbee says. “Both of these classes truly challenged me in the most beneficial way possible. This led me to a more critical way of thinking and made me think differently on how I see the world around me. I joined the Philosophy Club simply because I love the discipline. I love discussing relevant topics and hearing the points of view of other students, and I love when my own views are challenged, requiring me to really think.”

    The Philosophical Society meeting time and place are being determined and will be announced within the next week. “Everyone is welcome to attend. You do not need to be enrolled in a philosophy course. You only need to be interested in reading, discussing, and debating the most fundamental questions in our lives,” says McKenna. 

    The course may also be able to offer refreshments or a light lunch at each meeting in the near future. “I encourage anyone to come out and try the society. Challenge your mind. Speak up for what you believe. Open up to other views besides your own,” Bibbee says, “and do not be hesitate to come. It is a great time!”