Philosophy is literally "love of wisdom," and although there are many and varied branches of philosophy, what they all have in common is the desire to know truth.

To this end, philosophy examines the practice of specific fields (e.g. mathematics), investigates the nature of knowledge itself (epistemology), formulates principles of inductive and deductive reasoning (logic), inquires as to what sort of life is best for a human being (ethics), and seeks the highest principles and causes of all things (metaphysics and theology).

Students who join a philosophy course become participants in this centuries-old quest for truth, honing their powers of reasoning and verbal expression as they confront the deepest questions about the nature of the world and human existence. Course offerings in ancient philosophy have a historical focus and involve readings from the primary sources in translation, whereby students also receive training in textual interpretation and literary analysis. Most CLRC philosophy courses require no background in the field - only an avid curiosity and love of inquiry, for, as both Plato and Aristotle affirm: "All philosophy begins in wonder."