A number of current reports are challenging educators of undergraduate biology students to increase the role, interactions and approaches of other disciplines. The goal stated in these reports is to produce a college graduate with the skills and competencies to solve pressing global problems such as producing ample food, fuels, and making health care available, while also preventing the degradation of the Earth's renewable resources. This perspectives essay presents the inspiration and motivation that resulted from the interactions and collaborations with faculty in philosophy. My goal is to describe how these interactions occurred and how it has helped to inform and guide me in the development and implementation of new biological questions that can be addressed by undergraduate researchers. It has also allowed reflection on how scholarly endeavors in biology and philosophy can complement each other.