Department of PhilosophyPhilosophy has been taught at the University of Pennsylvania since 1755, when the Bachelor of Arts degree was first offered. The first teacher of philosophy was William Smith, Provost of the newly founded Academy of Philadelphia. At that time, logic, metaphysics, moral philosophy, and natural philosophy formed the core of the College curriculum.
Philosophy at Penn
Tribute to Hilary Putnam, C’48, HON’85
Jonathan D. Moreno is the David and Lyn Silfen University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania where he is one of sixteen Penn Integrates Knowledge professors. At Penn he is also Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, of History and Sociology of Science, and of Philosophy.
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Zeke Vergara Selected as a CETLI Graduate Fellow
May 8, 2026
Congratulations to Zeke Vergara, who has been selected as a Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Innovation Graduate Fellow for the 26-27 Academic Year. CETLI Graduate Fellows are responsible for organizing and facilitating seven monthly workshops in their departments, leading two workshops a year for graduate students across the university, consulting with and observing other TAs, and contributing to other activities to help graduate students develop as teachers. Congrats again Zeke!
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Department History
Philosophy has been taught continuously in the University of Pennsylvania and its predecessors since 1755, when the Bachelor of Arts degree was first offered. The first teacher of philosophy was William Smith, first Provost of the newly founded Academy of Philadelphia. The various branches of philosophy, which included logic, metaphysics, moral philosophy, and natural philosophy, formed the core of the College curriculum.