Critical engagement, to which the Carl von Ossietzky University is committed by its namesake, arises not least from the philosophical tradition itself. A critical reflection of the latter is thus of utmost importance, provided also that this is put into action.

The Oldenburg Institute of Philosophy strives to meet this task by engaging in research over a wide field, covering the discussion of epistemological issues as well social processes in the context of ethical values.

The extensive field of research covered by the Oldenburg Institute of Philosophy enables it to provide a programme of study that meets both the substantive obligations of the discipline of Philosophy and the demands of a student body, the majority of whom aim at careers in the teaching profession.

The effort of the Institute to develop in its students the substantive requirements of the teaching profession, and of its concomitant responsibilities, is clear in a thematically comprehensive curriculum that allows and encourages self-reliance and autonomous learning.

In the face of increasing school-like teaching at universities, and the formalization of learning, this approach provides an important alternative route to the teaching degree. In addition, the primacy of substantive education allows diverse ties to other academic disciplines as well as preparatory studies for a scientific career within a professional master's programme.