Current
Academic Calendar
2024/25
Academic Calendar 2024/25
Philosophy
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English language proficiency requirements Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the with lower levels of language proficiency. |
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.
3 credits
Reasoning: An Introduction to Critical Thinking
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Good reasoning is the basis for successful thought and action. This course introduces methods for creative and successful reasoning such as analyzing and evaluating evidence, recognizing different forms of arguments, and applying innovative, critical thinking to both practical and theoretical issues.
3 credits
Introduction to Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces basic philosophical problems, theories, and methods. Examines different areas of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and social and political philosophy. Highlights approaches from Western and non-Western philosophical traditions.
3 credits
Introduction to Ethics and Moral Problems
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students think, talk, and write about what is morally right and wrong with a focus on the reasons that support moral judgments. A variety of ethical theories and issues are studied as part of an examination of how to act given that we live and interact with others.
3 credits
Knowledge and Reality
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces central issues in metaphysics and epistemology, such as free will, the nature of the mind and its relation to the body, personal identity, the relationship between language and thought, and the conditions for knowledge.
3 credits
Introduction to Political Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces normative political philosophy, that is, theories about the moral foundations of politics. Evaluates political philosophy theories in terms of addressing contemporary problems, such as racial injustice, gendered violence, and settler colonialism.
3 credits
Issues in Metaphysics and Epistemology
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Through seminars and directed reading, various issues in metaphysics and epistemology are examined, such as the nature of persons, theories of truth, free will and determinism, the nature of space and time, language and meaning, the relation of evidence to knowledge and belief, and the scientific method.
3 credits
Philosophy of Law
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces major issues in philosophy of law such as natural law, legal positivism and its critics, law and liberalism, legal punishment, Indigenous legal traditions, feminist critiques of law, and critical legal studies.
3 credits
Philosophy of Religion
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines central issues in the philosophy of religion from a multicultural perspective. Considers the challenge of religious diversity, arguments for and against the existence of God, the relationship between faith and reason, the possibility of an afterlife, and the relationship between morality and religion.
3 credits
History of Western Philosophy: Ancient Greek Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Western philosophy began in Ancient Greece, and the questions and concerns that fascinated the Greeks are still with us today. Students will read the works of Plato, Aristotle, the Pre-Socratics, and the Hellenistic schools of Stoicism and Epicureanism.
3 credits
Rationalism and Early Modern Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Rationalism, as a philosophical school of thought, originates in the 17th century with the work of Rene Descartes. Descartes presents his philosophy as a critical reaction to prior schools of thought. At the core of his objections is the claim that genuine knowledge is a result of operations of reason independent of experience. He contends that previous philosophies cannot meet the requirements imposed on knowledge by reason. In this course, we will explore how Descartes鈥� rationalism arises from his critique of philosophical traditions and how subsequent rationalist philosophies, such as those of Spinoza and Leibniz, are themselves predicated on a critique of Descartes鈥� arguments.
3 credits
Empiricism and Early Modern Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
For the Empiricist philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries, anything that can be known about the world or about ourselves is said to be found in sensation and perception. However, this general agreement that knowledge is a function of experience gives way to disagreements regarding the nature of experience and what it actually enables us to know. In this course, we will examine the fundamentals of early modern empiricism, with a particular emphasis on how major philosophers of the time approached the question of knowledge, ethics, and politics. Philosophers to be covered include John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume.
3 credits
Symbolic Logic in Context
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Symbolic logic is a formal reasoning system which has been influential in philosophy, computing, and mathematics. This course provides an overview of its most basic elements: propositional and predicate logic and their methods of proof. These elements are then critically analyzed to assess their strengths and weaknesses as a grounding for analytic philosophy and for rationality in general.
3 credits
Philosophy of Gender and Sexuality
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Investigates conceptual issues surrounding classifying sex, gender, and sexual orientation, and ethical issues regarding relationship
structures, sex work and pornography, and the nature of consent and sexual perversions.
3 credits
Feminist Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 9 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Investigates contemporary feminist thought from a variety of perspectives and theoretical orientations. Examines how issues of gender have entered into discussions within major fields of philosophy, including ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and social and political philosophy. Explores the ways in which these issues intersect with race, class, and colonialism.
3 credits
Contemporary Political Philosophy: Recognition and Resurgence
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Investigates the meanings, problems, and possibilities of contemporary understandings of justice, identity, and reconciliation. Evaluates these questions through the lens of theories of politics of recognition, politics of difference, and Indigenous resurgence.
3 credits
Contemporary Ethical Theory
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including PHIL 110 and 6 additional credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Investigates questions in contemporary meta-ethics and normative ethics. Asks how we can live ethically with others and what makes for a good life.
3 credits
Environmental Ethics
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including (6 credits of PHIL) or (3 credits of PHIL and 3 credits of ENV).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores environmental ethical issues and investigates animal rights, climate change and the politicization of science, pollution caused by human activities, and obligations to future generations.
3 credits
Contemporary Metaphysics and Epistemology
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including PHIL 120 and 6 additional credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Deepens students鈥� engagement with foundational issues in metaphysics and epistemology, such as the nature of time, the nature of truth, the role of testimony in acquiring knowledge, and the difference between social and natural/biological categories.
3 credits
The Philosophy of Mind
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
A critical exploration of contemporary views regarding the nature of mind and its relation to the brain, such as Functionalism and Eliminative Materialism. Some attention may also be given to traditional Dualism and early versions of Materialism as a means of setting historical context.
3 credits
History of Continental Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores the works of major thinkers in the continental tradition, from the late 18th century thought to the end of the 19th century. Philosophers to be covered may include Kant, Fichte, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche.
Note: Students with credit for PHIL 252 cannot take this course for further credit.
3 credits
History of Early Analytic Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of 100- or 200-level PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
This course explores the main themes of the Analytic tradition, beginning with its emergence in the late 19th century and including its dominant forms to the middle of the 20th century. Philosophers to be covered may include Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, Quine, and Davidson.
3 credits
Classical Indian Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines classical Indian philosophy and its contributions to philosophical questions regarding the nature and meaning of human existence, the nature and limits of knowledge, and practical questions concerning how one should live.
3 credits
Classical Chinese Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces ancient Chinese philosophical theories and thinkers in a comparative context. Examines the ideas of the Yi Jing, Kongzi, Mengzi, Hs眉n Tzu, Mo Tzu, Lao Tzu, Zhuang-zi and early Chinese Buddhism.
3 credits
Indigenous Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including (6 credits of PHIL) or (3 credits of PHIL and 3 credits of IPK).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces issues, arguments, and methods of Indigenous philosophical traditions. Examines different areas of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and social and political philosophy.
3 credits
Philosophy of Education
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines central concepts in educational thought and practice, including education, teaching, and assessment, drawing on global philosophical traditions, including Western, Asian and Indigenous perspectives.
3 credits
Philosophy of Childhood
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
What is a child? The concept of a child occupies a precarious position and has not always received the attention that it deserves. Not yet a fully rational agent, but endowed with the potential to become one, the child has a status that spells trouble for core philosophical concepts. Theories of rationality, freedom, personal identity, and responsibility all impact children and their caregivers, yet often ignore them. Delving into philosophical theory and the practical issues of childhood, this course is of great importance not just to philosophers but to anyone who works with children, has children, or was once a child.
3 credits
Teaching Children Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits of PHIL, including PHIL 100 and PHIL 110.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Facilitate philosophical inquiries with children in educational settings such as school classrooms, summer camps, libraries, and art galleries. Study, apply, and broaden the 鈥淧hilosophy for Children鈥� methods of 鈥渃ommunity of inquiry鈥� to foster and encourage critical, creative, cooperative, and caring thinking skills in children.
3 credits
Death, Desire, and Art in Continental Thought
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including one of PHIL 110 or PHIL 120.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An exploration of the connections made between death, desire, and art as definitive aspects of human nature. Philosophers covered may include Rousseau, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, and Zizek.
3 credits
Corporations, Globalization, and Ethics
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including one of the following: PHIL 110, PHIL 210, PHIL 230, POSC 120, or POSC 270.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course examines the roles of corporations within society and the impacts of their actions on various stakeholders, including indigenous populations. What limitations, if any, can rightly be imposed on these organizations? What are the rights and duties of employees?
Note: Students with credit for PHIL 312 cannot take this course for further credit.
3 credits
20th Century Continental Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of 100- or 200-level PHIL courses.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
20th century Continental philosophy is the source of phenomenology, existentialism, post-structuralism, and postmodernism. All of these have been profoundly influential on the humanities and on society. Philosophers covered in this course may include Heidegger, Sartre, Arendt, Foucault, and Derrida.
Note: Students with credit for PHIL 325 cannot take this course for further credit.
3 credits
Contemporary Analytic Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of 100- or 200-level PHIL courses.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
How does philosophy of language connect to philosophy of mind? Quine's "Word and Object" is a seminal work in analytic philosophy which deals with this question, meaning nihilism, and all the themes that are Quine鈥檚 legacy today. In addition to Quine, philosophers to be covered may include Davidson, Schiffer, Stich, Fodor, Boghossian, Burge, and Putnam.
3 credits
Selected Topics in Morality and Politics
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including one of the following: POSC 311, POSC 312, PHIL 305, PHIL 310, or PHIL 315.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
A detailed exploration of one or more issues in moral or political philosophy.
3 credits
Selected Topics in Epistemology and Metaphysics
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including one of PHIL 120 or PHIL 220.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
A detailed examination of one or more topics in epistemology and metaphysics. The focus will vary with the instructor but could include cognitive philosophy, philosophy of mind, fundamental ontology, or skepticism.
3 credits
Selected Topics in the History of Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits university-level credits, including one of the following: PHIL 120, PHIL 220, PHIL 250, PHIL 251, or PHIL 252.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students will investigate a specific area in the history of philosophy. This course is primarily intended as an exploration of material not covered in other classes or for a more advanced study of a particular philosopher.
3 credits
Selected Topics in Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 3 credits of PHIL.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Detailed investigation of topics not found in regular course offerings or more detailed study of problems or philosophers introduced in other courses. Topics covered will vary according to instructor.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
3 credits
Directed Studies in Ethical and Political Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits of Philosophy or Political Science, and written consent of the faculty member, the department head, and the College of Arts Associate Dean of Students.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
In-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in ethical or political philosophy. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop an individual course proposal.
3 credits
Directed Studies in Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): 聽9 credits of PHIL and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Independent study of an issue, problem, or topic in any area of philosophy. Students consult with a faculty member to develop detailed individual course proposals.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
3 credits
Honours Tutorial
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Philosophy Honours program.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course is an intensive independent study course for students pursuing the Honours option that will result in a substantial research essay.
Last updated: November 1, 2024