Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
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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.
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News & Announcements
PNW alumni leading change in regional community leadership organizations
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) plays a pivotal role in supporting local communities throughout Northwest Indiana (NWI) by preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to make impactful change as […]
Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) 2025 graduates have poured countless hours into their persistent journeys to earn their degrees. On May 10, the culmination of over 850 candidates’ hard work was celebrated during PNW’s 2025 Commencement.
Welcome Dr. Richard Sévère as the New CHESS Dean
Richard Sévère has been announced as the Dean of Purdue University Northwest’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS), effective July 1, 2025.
Important Dates
Jun 16
Summer 8-week and Second 4-week Classes BeginSummer 8-week (June 16 to August 8) and Second 4-week (June 16 to July 11) Classes Begin
Jun 22
Deadline to Apply to Graduate for Summer 2025Speak with your academic advisor to make sure you are eligible to graduate and submit your application.
Jun 27
First 6-week Classes EndClasses end that run the first six weeks of the Summer Session (May 19 to June 27).
Jun 30
Second 6-week Classes BeginSecond 6-week Summer Session classes run June 30 through August 8.
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.