Philosophy literally means "the love of wisdom." It deals with speculative issues such as human nature, the structure of reality, the existence of God, and the processes involved in human knowledge. It is also concerned with practical issues such as the nature of the morally good life and the ideal political society. Philosophy engages with its own history through a study of the great figures and movements from the ancient world to the present.

Within Jesuit education, philosophy occupies a central, synthesizing role. It aims at helping students reflect creatively and critically on ethics, society, and the world at large.

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.