Department of Philosophy

"The 2024 presidential election is still a year and a half away, but it can feel much closer: President Joe Biden has made his reelection bid official, presumed candidates are giving out-of-state speeches, pundits are already weighing in on nomination hopefuls, and social media is, as ever, a mess of people trying to persuade strangers to back their favorite. All for good reason: Even a little political persuasion in the next year could change the course of history," writes Colin Marshall, associate professor of philosophy at the UW.

Philosopher Arthur Obst, a UW doctoral student, thinks that wild places can thrive — if we adjust our definition of wilderness and embrace the idea of letting go. 

Winter brings shorter days and inclement weather, giving us more and more time inside. On the couch. Wondering what to watch. If you’re in between shows (or looking to add another one or two to the mix), find your fellow UW alumni on streaming services. These are a few of the Huskies we love to see on our small screens.

"UW professors and alumni are at the forefront of the arts, culture, philosophy and literature. They attract speakers and performers who contribute to the vibrancy of this culturally diverse community."

Bruce Lee was renowned for being many things: one of the greatest martial artists of all time, mentor, instructor, and all-star actor. He was also a devout, loving father, as well as a philosopher. Lesser known is that he was a student of the University of Washington, where he studied drama and philosophy. Beloved by our community, his legacy is now reinstated at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, where his personal collection of over 2,800 books and thoughtfully curated achievements will remain on permanent display for decades to come.

Woody, professor of philosophy, currently serves as chair of the Department of Philosophy.

Michael Blake, professor of philosophy, discusses the leadership style of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his political strategy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Without the ongoing prospect of U.S. military support, the Washington-backed Afghan government quickly fell - and on Aug. 15, 2021, the Taliban declared the creation of a new political order, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, writes Michael Blake, professor of philosophy and of public policy and governance at the UW.

"The present regime in Afghanistan is unstable, and some experts estimate it may collapse within the year. If it does so, the resulting power gap would likely be filled by the Taliban, whose history of human rights abuses include violence against women and children. There are significant moral costs at stake in either remaining in or withdrawing from Afghanistan," writes Michael Blake, professor of philosophy and of public policy and governance at the UW.

University of Washington Provost Mark A. Richards today announced Dianne Harris will become dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, beginning Sept. 1.

The 2021 Husky 100, a group of 100 students making the most of their time at the UW, have been announced.

UW Professors discuss their innovative adaptations to the challenges that remote learning has presented this past year.

Recording memories, reading thoughts and manipulating what another person sees through a device in their brain may seem like science fiction plots about a distant and troubled future. But a team of multi-disciplinary researchers say the first steps to inventing these technologies have already arrived. They want to put in place safeguards for our most precious biological possessions: our mind. Sara Goering, professor of philosophy at the UW, is quoted.

If you've ever wished you had an extra hand to accomplish a task, never fear, scientists are working on that. But a new study raises questions about how such technology could affect your brain. Dr. Eran Klein, affiliate assistant professor of philosophy at the UW, is quoted.

HBO Max’s sci-fi series "Made for Love" reveals the dangers of a controversial new technology. Sara Goering, professor of philosophy at the UW, is quoted.