Christopher A. Riddle, Ph.D.
Christopher A. Riddle, Ph.D.
Philsophy Department Chair
(315) 792-3759
Philosophy Department
What We Do
The philosophy programs at Utica University enable you to develop crucial human capabilities that provide a basis for successful living. The ability to think clearly with insight is essential when evaluating the competing claims of alternative value systems and world views.
Office Location
Faculty Center (FAC) 203 School of Arts & Sciences
As a philosophy student at Utica, you will receive intensive training in the main subfields of philosophy—ethics, logic, epistemology (theories of belief and knowledge), metaphysics (theories of reality), political philosophy (theories of justice) and history of philosophy.
Taught by a highly accomplished faculty, our programs cultivate:
- Ethical decision-making
- Clear and systematic thinking
- Effective communication
- A deeper level of insight
“For no light matter is at stake; the question concerns the very manner in which human life is to be lived.”
- Plato
These programs are designed for students who want to concentrate directly on life’s most fundamental questions.
Philosophy majors and minors develop knowledge and skills that may be applied to a broad range of career paths:
- Law
- Public Administration
- Research
- Corporate administration
- Education
...and other career pursuits that demand a solid foundation in ethics, critical thinking, comparative analysis, and the precise expression of ideas.
Utica philosophy alumni have taken leadership positions in:
- Sun Life Financial
- Wagner College
- New York State Capital Defender’s Office
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
“The training I received in the art of thinking paid off ‘big time.’ My ability to handle complex interview questions with ease proved to be the best marketing tool of my major, even if my major was totally unrelated to the job I was seeking. What employers want is someone who can think, read, and write.”
- Noel Figueroa '96, Program Coordinator, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The goal of this minor is to foster the ethical thinking skills required to be a caring and successful healthcare professional. The minor is designed to provide an introduction to the discipline of philosophy for students seeking careers in healthcare and related fields.
This minor is designed to provide an introduction to the discipline of philosophy for students seeking careers in law, criminal justice or government. The main goal of this program is to help students develop the ethical and logical thinking skills required to be successful professionals.
The Applied Ethics Institute was founded in 1986 and has been affiliated with Utica University since 1987. The Institute promotes public discussion of contemporary ethical issues within the college, professional and civic groups, and the broader community. Its goal is to foster informed assessment of a broad range of ethical issues, including but not restricted to those related to healthcare, business and economics, science and technology, social justice and law, and the environment. The Institute works with students, faculty, professionals and members of the public to sponsor conferences, seminars, workshops, lectures and media events.
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