Philosophy seeks to unify our lives, and to clarify the values that give life meaning. It illuminates such perplexing issues as what makes society just, how the mind and body are related, whether actions are free or determined, and inquires into religious perspectives. The Department of Philosophy at Chapman University offers a range of courses from studies of pivotal thinkers throughout history, to metaphysics, epistemology and religious thought, as well as ethical inquiries into medicine, business, and the environment.  It is said that the strength of one’s conviction is a poor substitute for the clarity of one’s thought, and our goal is to encourage individual students to think rationally and creatively.