Looking for a cozy club to have important discussions? On Tuesdays Jacqueline Schisler, a philosophy, neuroscience, and religious studies major, along with other members of the Undergraduate Philosophy Club come together (with snacks!) to participate in philosophical conversation.

“I joined this club because I wanted to get to know more philosophy majors,” club president Jacqueline said. “[The club] creates a really close-knit community and a safe space to discuss deep topics.”

Up to thirty people come together for meetings. Jacqueline says that topics are chosen by vote at the beginning of club meetings, and that recent topics include “pretty privilege, cheating, public/private education and if you can separate the art from the artist”.

The skills philosophy teaches are highly sought-after by employers. Philosophy encourages you to write clearly and to read closely with a critical eye.It is therefore not surprising that philosophy students tend to score higher on tests like the LSAT and GRE, on average, than almost any other major. Even if not majoring in philosophy, the skills learned from studying it can be beneficial to any discipline. 

By mastering basic tools of self-expression—for instance, presenting ideas through well-constructed, systematic arguments—you can be much more convincing when you inevitably have to argue with people.

Learning to discuss important things skillfully will vastly improve your personal and professional relationships. “This club has definitely improved my argument skills. Most importantly, I have gained lots of new perspectives, and I feel like this club makes me a more compassionate and accepting human,” Jacqueline says.

Jaqueline says her favorite part of the club is, “New perspectives and being part of a community! Everyone wears name tags and the philosophy club setting is very relaxed and welcoming, so you truly learn about people and form connections”.

The responsibilities of club members like Jacqueline include, “Show up, eat, listen and participate in discussion– it really is that simple…Even if it is the last week of a semester, that is totally fine- we have new people every week. All majors are welcome!”

The Philosophy Library is hardly ever empty of students willing to chat, but the club meets on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.in the Philosophy Library (COOR 3319).