Philosophy deals with fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, morality, the nature of mind, the meaning of life, and the significance of death. It is also at the intersection of many other fields, contributing to urgent conversations about such topics as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Climate science
- Ethics in health care
- Equity in education
- Ethical treatment of animals
- Authoritarianism and misinformation
Our internationally renowned faculty are doing cutting-edge research on these questions and topics. They are regularly asked to give lectures around the world. They publish prolifically in the most distinguished venues, aiming to reach both specialists and the public. Their essays have appeared in the Philosopher’s Annual (a collection of the 10 best articles in a given year); their books have appeared on the New Yorker’s list of best books; and a number of them have been elected members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, to cite just a few of the numerous honors they’ve received.
This year, the UW–Madison Department of Philosophy will use gifts made during Day of the Badger to support faculty research. Donations will help fund travel to conferences where our faculty present their research. Additionally, funds will support faculty in writing books and articles, enabling them to hire research assistants and indexers. Such financial support is particularly helpful for our midcareer researchers, enabling them to reach the level of productivity and impact of their more senior colleagues while continuing to deliver high-quality instruction to undergraduates and graduate students.