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Humanities Division

Philosophy

cadet in library

A study of philosophy and religion as part of a life of energetic inquiry aimed at developing the virtues appropriate to a leader of character.

About Us

The Department of Philosophy strives to develop habits of mind including open-mindedness, critical thinking and a respect for intellectual traditions. We bring expertise in our sub-disciplines, including ethics, logic, philosophy of religion, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy of science and philosophy of law.

Our cadets undertake their study of philosophy and religion as part of a life of energetic inquiry aimed at developing the virtues appropriate to a leader of character. They read and discuss primary texts from ancient times up to the present day.

Philosophy Faculty & Staff

Majors & Minors

Philosophy (Major)
Philosophy
(Major)
Data Science (Co-Administered Major)
Data Science
(Co-Administered Major)
Humanities (Co-Administered Major)*
Humanities
(Co-Administered Major)*
Philosophy (Minor)
Philosophy
(Minor)
Religion Studies (Minor)
Religion Studies
(Minor)

*Restrictions Apply

Department News News From Around The Department

August 22, 2024

Examining the works of C.S. Lewis: critical thinking and ethics

Cadet 2nd Class Grace Dailey displays a copy of C.S. Lewis’s “The Abolition of Man” Aug. 20, 2024. The book is one of many Dr. Adam Pelser uses to teach his “C.S. Lewis and Philosophy” course at the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Twentieth-century author C.S. Lewis’s books dominate the top shelf in Dr. Adam Pelser’s office. Pelser, who was recently recognized as an Inaugural Fellow of the Inklings Project, has used Lewis’ work to teach critical thinking skills...

Continue Reading Examining the works of C.S. Lewis: critical thinking and ethics

Cadet 2nd Class Grace Dailey displays a copy of C.S. Lewis’s “The Abolition of Man”.
November 14, 2023

Academy cadet selected for postgraduate Rhodes Scholarship

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Madelyn Letendre was selected for a Rhodes Scholarship, a fully funded postgraduate program in the United Kingdom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Madelyn Letendre, Class of 2024, was selected for a highly competitive Rhodes Scholarship, a fully funded postgraduate program in the United Kingdom. The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international scholarship program enabling young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford, according to the program’s website....

Continue Reading Academy cadet selected for postgraduate Rhodes Scholarship

Rhodes Scholar Cadet 1st Class Madelyn Letendre
July 30, 2019

Academy plays central role in developing tomorrow’s STEM leaders

Story by Jennifer Spradlin, July 30, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A recent article in Forbes noted the highest percentage of CEOs with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees aren’t who the reader might expect: four star generals in the military. Devin Cate, the director of the Air Force’s Test and Evaluation directorate, said that trend is likely to continue as leaders at all levels of the military prepare for a complex 21st century battlespace. “We need to create a community of young engineers and scientists focused on cybersecurity, energy delivery and electronic communications,” Cate said. “Airmen...

Continue Reading Academy plays central role in developing tomorrow’s STEM leaders

Cadet 1st Class Heather Nelson works on the FalconSat 7 project March 6, 2012.
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