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
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.
Purdue University Northwest announces faculty member promotions
Nine PNW faculty members received approval today (April 4) by the Purdue University Board of Trustees for academic promotions starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
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.
Important Dates
Apr 30
PNW Day of Giving 2025Changing students’ lives starts with us! Purdue Northwest Day of Giving is the largest day-long online fundraising event for the university. For 24 hours, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community come together to create opportunities for PNW students.
May 05
Spring 2025 Final ExamsSpring 2025 final exams run May 5 through 10. Good luck on your finals!
May 10
Spring 2025 CommencementCongratulations to PNW graduates! We look forward to celebrating with you at Commencement.
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.