Courtesy photo by: Sergio Penida

Last Tuesday, CMU’s Philosophy Club met for dinner to celebrate an impressive achievement. Gathering support from ASG, the student body and the university at large, the club received the ok to press forward with its plans for the development of a philosophy major.

Andy Bowen, the club’s president, who has been, in his words, “practicing philosophy on accident” his entire life, was dynamic in his announcement. Recapping their presentation for ASG the previous Wednesday, Bowen felt confident the club’s hard work at demonstrating the practicality of philosophy was finally paying off.

“I was really excited to see such a large group come to ASG for public input,” ASG Vice President Ariel Diamond said.

Having taken philosophy for general education, Diamond has an understanding of it.

“Philosophy has traditionally served as the basis for education,” Diamond said. “I think it’s a great way to examine your life and figure out why you think the way you do. We [ASG] are  really willing to listen to the students because there is such a big group of people interested.”

Club members exhibit so much passion for their field it’s easy to understand how they’ve done so well. From their casual meetings over beer and Mountain Dew, the club has led an entirely student-based operation with a powerful and convincing message about philosophy.

“If you want to be successful, it takes a lot more than knowing about something in one particular field,” Bowen said. “It takes a lot of critical thinking skills, which philosophy expertly provides.”

Club Vice President Brett Baroffio uses his career plans as a demonstration.

“I want to get into advertising, and I think philosophy helps me think outside the box, which is definitely necessary in my field,” Baraffio said.

The Philosophy Club has definitely carved their own path.

“We’re pursuing every option available,” ASG Senator and club treasurer said. “We should see philosophy as a major soon.”

The club agrees next fall may not be realistic, but considering the planning and developing needed to create a new program, they’re progressing at an unstoppable rate.