The Department takes pride in its eighty-three years of history, the oldest in the nation. Its tradition is traced to the very foundation of Yonhee School in 1917. At the time, only two philosophy lectures were given: Introduction to Philosophy, and Logic. A third lecture, History of Philosophy, was added to the curriculum in 1922. The Department of Philosophy was formally established in the School of Liberal Arts of the University as of 1946, and the Graduate School of Philosophy was instituted in 1957.

The Department welcomes all those who desire to have a "philosophical mind." Philosophers are made, not born. A well-trained philosophical mind alone will be in the position to cope successfully with the challenges which the rapidly changing world brings.

Philosophy has always been, and still is, the queen of all sciences. Not only did all sciences originate from her but they still are under her guidance and control. Philosophy alone can tell us what and how the world (nature, society, history, and culture) objectively is, and what man is and who you and I are objectively. That is why philosophical knowledge is the crown of all human knowledge. Philosophical formation enables us to make right and reasoned value judgments on all knowledge and to give right orientation to science and technology. It can tell us how we can create a more human world.

The foremost aim of the Department is to form and rear the philosophical mind. Imparting of knowledge about philosophers is only its secondary aim. Students are invited, above all, to take active part in the process of problem solving rather than be content with ready-made answers. The ever-increasing compartmentalization of knowledge demands, more than ever, the all-embracing and far-sighted wisdom of a philosophical mind to unify the vast amount of accumulated knowledge and to give meaningful direction to the variety of human endeavors.

One distinguishing mark of the Department is its extensive training program of acquainting students with both philosophies of the West and the East. Its distinguishing mark is its most rigorous program of specialization. Students are trained to gain an expertise in one problem area of philosophy. A third distinguishing mark of the Department is its emphasis on the value of diversity and particularity of speculations. In view of these aims, the Department coordinates a variety of programs: regular seminars, conferences, colloquiums, workshops, public debates and public defenses of theses. Applications are welcome from all highly motivated students of demonstrated academic excellence. A variety of financial assistance is available.

The Department provides complete programs leading to M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in philosophy. The goal of the program is to familiarize students with the historical traditions of philosophy, with major contemporary movements, as well as the fundamental issues in different areas of philosophical specialization. At present, a faculty of nine outstanding scholars and guest lecturers conduct a variety of seminars in both contemporary philosophy and historical periods. The Department, in collaboration with the Institute of Philosophy, an affiliate of the School of Liberal Arts, promotes a number of research programs of contemporary philosophical relevance. The Department and the Institute of Philosophy each publishes journals annually. Exchange programs with Ewha University and Sogang University allows students to attend their seminars. Number of students in the master's program is approximately 75, and in the doctoral program, approximately 55.