Department of Philosophy

The Philosophy Department prides itself on an interdisciplinary approach to the fulfillment of its three-part mission: to provide students with a philosophy major that will prepare them to enter a variety of careers or for further graduate study; to serve the College's philosophical needs by providing key philosophical courses for other programs; and to contribute to the College's mission of providing a liberal arts education to all students. Read More.

Faculty Spotlight: Michael Buckley's interests are in the fields of political philosophy and applied ethics. He is currently working on two related projects examining ethical issues in post-conflict societies and emerging democracies, and has recently published works on methodological developments in political philosophy.

Michael has been an Assistant Professor at Lehman since 2007, after having obtained a B.A. in Philosophy from Hunter College and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Emory University.

Recent publications by Michael include “The Structure of Justification in Political Constructivism” (Metaphilosophy), “John Stuart Mill and the Idea of a Stationary State Economy” (in Humanistic Ethics in the Age of Globality), “Constructivism” (in The Encyclopedia of Global Justice), and "Promoting Peace through Dialogue," which he edited for the United Nation's University and Global Majority.

Michael currently serves as a member of the Steering Committee for Lehman College’s Center for Human Rights and Peace Studies, and is a Board Member of Global Majority, a non-profit educational institute promoting non-violent conflict resolution through negotiation and mediation techniques.

Talk Philosophy Series

• Dec 5, 2011. Science fiction and philosophy. Presented by Massimo Pigliucci. 3:30 @ the Carman Cafe.
• Nov 16, 2011. Race, class and politics. Presented by Julie Maybee. 3:30 @ the Carman Cafe.
• Oct 19, 2011. Philosophy and calling things what they are. Presented by Zermatt Scutt. 3:30 @ the Carman Cafe.

New winner of the Phi Sigma Tau / Weinstock Essay

Peter Esposito (right) won the 2011Weinstock Essay contest organized by the Philosophy Department at Lehman, and hosted by Prof. Anthony Jensen (left). Dr. Karen Gover from Bennington College gave the keynote address at the celebration, a talk entitled "What is a Philosopher?" The event also honored the new inductees in the Phi Sigma Tau philosophy honors society. The aims of Phi Sigma Tau are expressed in the Greek motto Philounton Sophian Timay, which means “the honor of those who love wisdom.” The society exists to serve as a means of awarding distinction to students who have high scholarship and personal interest in philosophy and to popularize interest in philosophy among the general collegiate public.

Latest 5-minute Philosopher video

How to think like a philosopher

Philosophy @ the Movies Series

• Nov 30, 2011. Doctor Who. Presented by Massimo Pigliucci. 4pm, somewhere in Carman.
• Nov 9, 2011: Casablanca. Presented by Steven Birnbaum. 4pm in Carman B34.
• Oct 12, 2011: Jurassic Park. Presented by Leonard Finkleman. 4pm in Carman B39.