Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
You can find intellectual enrichment and the tools to succeed in diverse careers with this marketable education for the 21st century.
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The professors at PNW have always set clear expectations and shared information enthusiastically and engagingly. Discussion was not only had, but encouraged. Overall, the professors at PNW provided an experience that encouraged engagement and helped build connections.
My learning opportunities afforded to me in PNW's kind and welcoming environment have carried me well through graduate school, all the way to finishing my dissertation, acquiring a Ph.D. in Philosophy and becoming an assistant professor.
PNW provides a great learning environment for its students and resources for their success.
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News & Announcements
Purdue University Northwest students earn fall 2024 Dean’s List honors
The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2024 fall semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,726 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.
Purdue University Northwest Graduates Encouraged to Commit to Themselves and Their Dreams
Purdue University Northwest celebrated summer and fall 2024 graduates during two ceremonies held Saturday, Dec. 14. A total of 650 candidates were recognized for not only their commitment to academic excellence, but also their grit exhibited through student leadership, community service and extracurricular involvement.
Classroom to the Courtroom: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Joseph Ignatuk
Joseph Ignatuk, ’24, is set to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) with minors in French and Philosophy.
Important Dates
Apr 09
School of Education and Counseling Open HouseExplore, connect and learn about education programs at PNW — from Elementary Education with a Special Education concentration to Secondary programs in English, History and Math!
Apr 11
Last Day to Drop Spring 2025 ClassesLast day to drop Spring 2025 classes ends at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11.
Apr 15
State Aid DeadlinePNW students, your FAFSA must be received by the Federal Processor by April 15, 2025 to be considered for most Indiana state aid.
Apr 17
Days of Discovery 2025Celebrate research, scholarship and creative activities during the 2025 PNW Days of Discovery.
Philosophy Magazine: Symphony of Reason - Spring 2024: Volume IV, Issue 1
The current issue (IV.1) of Symphony of Reason (SOR), PNW’s philosophy magazine, is produced after a one-year (2023) gap. It is, as Dr. Detmer says (in his Foreword), “especially rich in philosophical content.” Divided into six main subsections, it begins with a paper (by PNW student Savannah J. DeBoer) on the ethics of punishment, followed by two philosophical profiles – one each, on western philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre (by Dr. David Detmer) and Kierkegaard (by Prof. Hoon J. Lee).
Next, we have what Dr. Detmer calls a “provocative and enlightening” extended essay by former PNW professor Dr. Renee Conroy – on “aesthetics, the branch of philosophy that historically has dealt primarily with issues concerning the nature and value of art, and of the principles underlying our evaluation and appreciation of works of art.” This is followed by three short essays on abortion (by PNW students Kathleen Nielsen and Kaitlyn Vasilko and PNW alumnus Kayla Vasilko).
After this, Dr. Lee Artz’s critique of Dr. Deepa Majumdar’s essay (in SOR III.1, S 2022) on Mr. Putin’s 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, followed by her spirited reply. Finally, this issue ends with four philosophical poems – one by Prof. Subbarao Majety, and Kaitlyn Vasilko, and two by Kayla Vasilko.