The word philosophy derives from the Greek words philo and sophia, translating to “love” and “wisdom.” The discipline can therefore be understood as the love of wisdom or even the search for truth. Throughout history, philosophy has been an integral part of the human experience, an ongoing struggle to discern what the true, good, and beautiful ultimately is. Aristotle and Plato have engraved themselves in the public mind as recognizable champions of philosophical thought. Though these names are deservedly familiar, most people fail to see philosophy as anything more than the recognizable thought exercise involving the trolley on train tracks. For decades, people have tended to disregard the study of philosophy or metaphysics due to its perceived insignificance in the modern world. Many universities cut their metaphysics and philosophy classes to make way for easier, more pragmatic programs. However, Business Insider reports a trend toward hiring graduates with humanities degrees. The hope is that large technical, logistical, and even intelligence infrastructures will be run by those familiar with ethics and constructive thought. Regent University has responded to this trend by providing students the opportunity to develop their constructive thinking through the new Philosophy Minor, established in 2025. A long time in the making, the minor currently offers five classes ranging from Critical Reasoning and Apologetics to Metaphysics, Modern Philosophy, and seminars on the Philosophy of Human Nature. With classes encouraging Socratic dialogue, lively debates, and handwritten exams, students will know rigor and diligence by the time they graduate. One of the philosophy professors noted that philosophy was like a “conversation throughout time, unfinished and ever-going.” Camden Kidwell, a current student with the Philosophy Minor, says, “The dialogue between philosophers is great…because you can already see how the other philosophers are critiquing and commenting on each other’s ideas and theories.” Through classes like Modern Philosophy, this longstanding dialogue is investigated and internalized deeply by the students. While Regent’s GENE 150, True, Good, and the Beautiful class is required for every undergraduate not in the Honors program, these additional classes provide students with supplementary training to contribute more academically and constructively to their field of choice.

As movies, books, and social media become more mainstream and accessible, encountering a different viewpoint is inevitable. Academic engagement with logical arguments, fallacies, and hidden subtext are skills taught carefully in the philosophy field. We live in a society of diverse worldviews and ideas. Philosophy exists not just in our library books. It exists in our movie theaters, our video games, our computer screens, and in the apps on our phones. How can philosophy be insignificant when it is everywhere we turn? Despite its prevalence, many students might be afraid to engage in this field of study. Some might assume that studying thinkers such as Marx, Nietzsche, Hume, and Hitchens conflicts with their Christian morals. But for every Marx and Camus that appear in history, there is an Aquinas, Leibniz, Peter Kreeft, and John Lennox to answer them. Some still consider philosophy dangerous. To state the truth frankly: studying philosophy is extremely dangerous, especially if studied right. To study a philosopher who changed a nation’s worldview is to allow yourself a seat in the grand theater of history, disassociating yourself from the present for a moment. The investigation of eloquently written arguments against God will inevitably cause some level of cognitive dissonance. Studying philosophy is inherently dangerous because the world is dangerous. We must knowingly confront the danger before it inevitably and mercilessly confronts us. Regent’s philosophy minor remains a crucial step toward providing students with a stronger and more fortified mindset. Incorporating this discipline will help navigate complex ethical and ideological debates in modern society. Despite its dusty longstanding tradition, the study of philosophy is still a necessary supplement for every student regardless of major. Philosophy exercises the mind in a way that sharpens its ability to perceive truth. Because Christians have been divinely tasked with pursuing transcendent truth, philosophy is an invaluable tool in this pursuit. For those interested in adding this minor to their degree, stay alert for PHIL classes offered next year. PD team members Matthew Das and Jason Delgado will be among the first students at Regent University to graduate with this official addition to their degree.