Humanities Area / Philosophy Program

No matter how sad or depressed we may be, we sometimes laugh unexpectedly. Why is that? How is falling in love with a 2D character different from falling in love with a real person? Is it wrong to use extreme expressions in shonen and shojo manga? Even in our ordinary daily lives, we can find the seeds of philosophy if we just change our perspective. The goal of this class is to help you discover philosophical questions that only you can find and to deepen your own unique way of thinking.

The intellectual pursuit known as "philosophy" originated in ancient Greece and has been pursued by various people for over 2,000 years, driven by intellectual curiosity. The issues discussed throughout its history have been relevant to humanity in every era, encompassing knowledge, technology, art, the state, nature, law, life and death, and in modern times, even animals and robots are subjects of discussion. While it may seem like an elusive field of study at first glance, you will participate in this philosophical endeavor by reading texts, discussing, using devices, and writing together with your peers.

Since I was little, I have been wondering, 'Why?' There were many children. When I thought I might be a little different from everyone else, I was exposed to ethics and philosophy classes in high school, which made me strongly want to study philosophy at university. In university lectures, I can learn a wide range of topics from pop topics to specialized ones, and every session is really enjoyable! In the minor media journalism, I took classes in advertising and newspapers. By studying journalism, you learn about the movements of countries around the world, and when you try to match them with philosophical thinkers of the past, you find commonalities and connections, and when you realize that, it's very interesting. Many J. F. Oberlin University students are unique, talking about fashion and their favorite bands—every day is full of excitement! While studying is a student's duty, I also want to keep playing and maintain balanced input every day! Philosophy may seem difficult, but since it is the root of all learning, choosing a minor approach is also a good option.

"What do I want to become after graduating from university?" This was the most important question for me when choosing a university. I chose philosophy as my major because I wanted to become someone who could think flexibly without being bound by preconceived notions. I enjoyed the many discussions in class and realized the joy of broadening my perspective. The ability to respect individual opinions and accept various values, which I learned during my time studying in the United States, where diversity is embraced, was also put to good use. Through my time studying abroad, I learned that environmental issues are intertwined with everyday life in any country, so I chose environmental studies as my minor. It's difficult to envision the future, but I think that by studying while thinking specifically about what you want to become in a few years, you will gradually begin to see what you want to do.