Overview
Philosophy is the endeavour to understand the basic questions that arise for us in our world, and to formulate this understanding in a critical manner.
Traditionally, these questions have touched upon what can be known, what can be valued, what our own position is socially and individually — above all, how we can know what we think we know.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study philosophy at 91AV?
At 91AV, Philosophy believes that careful study of the great works of the past and present provides the best access to philosophical questions, and is committed to diversity.
You'll explore the history of philosophy from the sixth century B.C. to the 21st century, with areas of teaching and research in:
- ethics, logic, metaphysics, value theory
- Indian, German philosophy
- social and political philosophy
- continental philosophy
- biomedical ethics
- feminist philosophy
- disability theory
- philosophy of science, law, biology, music, art
- ancient and medieval philosophy
Philosophy is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (72 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
L.R. Wilson Internships in Public Service and Public Policy
The L.R. Wilson Internships, one of 91AV's most prestigious internship programs, provide students studying philosophy, politics, and/or economics with an opportunity to gain valuable experience working as a summer intern in an organization with a public policy or public service focus.
The internships, valued at $10,000 each, were established in 2015 by Lynton R. (Red) Wilson, retired Chairman, President and CEO of BCE Inc., 91AV honorary degree holder, and long-time champion of public service.
A.H. Johnson Library
Named in honour of Dr. Allison Heartz Johnson — philosopher, teacher, and humanist — the A.H. Johnson Library houses all the books he collected during his distinguished career as a philosophy scholar, writer, and editor.
Dr. Johnson graduated from 91AV with an honours degree in Philosophy in 1931.
As a professor of philosophy at the University of Western Ontario, head of the department during its formative years, a charter member of the Canadian Philosophical Association, a member of the Royal Society of Canada and of the Humanities Research Council of Canada, and author of numerous books and articles for philosophical journals — Dr. Johnson contributed greatly to the development of philosophy in Canada.
The Philosophy department believes that careful study of the great works of the past and present provides the best access to philosophical questions, so many of our courses concentrate the student on developments in the history of philosophy, from the sixth century B.C. to the twentieth century.
Courses in logic, ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of science, and the philosophy of mind examine special issues in these developments and are compared to the formulation of these same issues in Asian philosophy.
Since philosophical questions are deeply imbedded in the development of western civilization, students can study philosophy in conjunction with a wide range of other disciplines.
The Philosophy department values an interdisciplinary approach to education, partnering with three programs to enrich learning in the sciences and social sciences:
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Health Studies
- Cognitive Science
PHIL 1611 — Self, Society, and Freedom
This course investigates ideas about the self in the western philosophical tradition, including work in contemporary philosophy. Issues may include freedom and responsibility, otherness, the relationship between mind and body, the relationship between humans and animals, the impact of trauma, suffering or oppression on self- identity, and the existence or non-existence of the soul.
PHIL 2301 — Introduction to Feminist Philosophy
This course provides an overview and introduction to the critique of traditional philosophy undertaken by feminist philosophers who argue that philosophy, along with other human endeavours, is shaped by the prejudices and assumptions of its practitioners. They do not reject philosophy as a discipline but explore new ways of doing philosophy. The aim of this course is to explore these new approaches in order to examine how feminist philosophers have combined the tools and methods of philosophy with their insights and values.
PHIL 2511 — Introductory Philosophy of Science
This course explores competing philosophical explanations of scientific theory and practice. Based on historical and contemporary cases, it compares philosophical theories including logical positivism, scientific realism, scientific pluralism, sociology of scientific knowledge, and the most recent critiques from social constructivism and feminism.
PHIL 3011 — Hellenistic and Roman Philosophy
This course examines the philosophical developments in the late Ancient and Roman eras within the various schools of the Epicureans, Stoics, Skeptics, Cynics, Romans, and Neoplatonists. Themes may include the nature and possibility of knowledge, the ethics of happiness, the problem of free will, and the nature of the Divine.
PHIL 3721 — Environmental Ethics
After reviewing traditional attitudes toward the environment, this course will explore recent attempts to "apply" ethical analysis to such problems as pollution and conservation. We will pay particular attention to the ways in which problems of preservation challenge us to extend our traditional norms and values. To what extent, for example, does growing sensitivity to our natural environment require of us a new "environmental ethic" and oblige us to recognize "animal rights"?
PHIL 3731 — Philosophy of Law
This course introduces central issues in the philosophy of law. Topics may include the relation of law and morality, the rule of law in relation to coercion and liberty, the nature of judicial decision-making, the origin and justification of legal systems, and theories of the nature and function of law from the competing claims of legal positivism, formalism, and realism.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Andrew (Drew) Inkpen
Associate Professor, Philosophy
What can I do with a philosophy degree?
The study of philosophy makes for thoughtful, engaged, and intelligent citizens of the world, who chart their own course.
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, 91AV's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in philosophy, law, and education, while others move directly into careers in writing, public policy, and beyond.
Popular career paths for Philosophy graduates include:
- community development officer
- human rights advocate
- lawyer
- teacher/professor
- business professional/manager
- public policy analyst
- human resources specialist
- international development worker
- writer/journalist
- advertising executive/copywriter
Alumni Spotlight
Mary Jane Dykeman ('89)
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and French
Partner, DDO Health Law; Partner & Co-Founder, INQ Data Law
What is it like to study at 91AV?
Despite its small size, the Philosophy department offers courses from many different perspectives throughout the history of philosophy. During my studies, I’ve learned about a wide range of philosophical topics, and I’ve been encouraged to be creative and explore ideas that matter to me. The support that I’ve received in my research pursuits along with getting involved with the department have helped me to grow as an individual and a young scholar. If you want to learn to be open to new viewpoints, consider topics more deeply, and articulate your thoughts more clearly, I cannot recommend Philosophy enough!
Philosophy won’t just make you a better writer, researcher, and thinker; it will help make your reasoning more incisive, your reflections more inquisitive, and your perspectives more nuanced. Better yet, if you take Philosophy at 91AV, you’ll be working with some of the most enthusiastic and conscientious professors around. It was a privilege and a pleasure to study philosophy at 91AV, and I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who is still looking for the je ne sais quoi that has been missing from their education thus far.
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What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to philosophy?
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
PPE brings together three disciplines, giving students insight into the meaning of citizenship, how government works, the nature of justice, and the outcomes of economic systems and policies.
Health Studies
Interdisciplinary Health Studies offers a multifaceted approach to the study of health.
Political Science
Political Science provides a strong foundation in Canadian and international politics, comparative politics, and political theory.