Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Minor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

“The study of economics and politics and their applications to social philosophy, cannot, in the end, be divorced.”

 – John Stuart Mill

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) began as an interdisciplinary degree program at Oxford in 1924, and, 100 years later, it has spread to well over a hundred universities around the world as either a major or minor area of study. 

Although often separated into distinct academic departments, the disciplines of philosophy, politics, and economics are closely intertwined. Political institutions and systems determine what can be owned and traded, which contracts will be enforced, and which economic and moral activities will be permitted or prohibited. Economics and philosophy explain, predict, and evaluate behavior under alternative political institutions. Philosophy seeks to understand the nature of human relations and assesses the morality of political and economic decisions. 

PPE students cross the boundaries of these key academic disciplines, integrating the methods, tools, and insights from philosophy, politics, and economics. In doing so, they gain a comprehensive understanding of social, economic, political, and moral problems in relation to one another.