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Philosophy Major
See below for Philosophy Major: Concentration in Law and Philosophy.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete the following 15 units by taking all of
An introduction to the theory of deductive reasoning. We consider deductive arguments in philosophy, in everyday life, and in mathematical proofs, and discuss what distinguishes valid inferences from fallacies. The course will cover propositional logic and first-order logic. Open to all students. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nicolas Fillion |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Gary Neels |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
A survey of some classic texts in the history of philosophy. See the course outline for more detail on the specific figures and themes covered. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 151 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Michaela Manson Michaela Manson |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
A critical overview of recent accounts of the nature and scope of human knowledge and of justified or rational belief, and of philosophical issues that these accounts are intended to address. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, 300, or COGS 100. Students who have taken PHIL 301 cannot take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Gregory Lauro |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of central problems of metaphysics such as space and time, universals and particulars, substance, identity and individuation and personal identity. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, 300, or COGS 100.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Simon Pollon |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of the major ethical theories, including deontology, consequentialism and virtue ethics. Applications of these theories and related topics in value theory may also be discussed. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, or 300.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Alexandra King |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete at least 30 philosophy upper division units, with a minimum philosophy cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and philosophy upper division grade point average (UDGPA) of 2.0 (calculated on all ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV PHIL courses), including one course at the 400 division, and at least one of
An examination of an issue or selection of issues in social and political philosophy. Contemporary or historical readings or a mixture of these will be used. Possible topics include: justice, the law and legal systems, sovereignty, power and authority, democracy, liberty and equality. Sometimes the course will focus on the views of historically important political philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Bentham, Mill and Marx. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
An advanced investigation of central issues and theories in moral philosophy. In any given term, the course may focus on a general theory or concept or concern, for example meta-ethics, utilitarianism, or theories of rights. Sometimes it will focus on a particular problem or problems, such as medical ethics, moral personhood, or free will and moral responsibility. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Michaela Manson Michaela Manson |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of an issue or selection of issues in the history of moral or political philosophy. Historical readings will be the primary focus and may include important figures such as Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, and Kant. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 150, 151, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
Explores in detail classic problems in the law using the methods and resources of philosophy. Topics may include: problems in professional ethics facing lawyers; philosophical issues in international law and human rights; constitutional interpretation and the philosophy of language; the assessment of evidence and formal epistemology; the intellectual origins of the theory of natural law and natural rights; or others. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
Explores in detail the relationship between the law and theories of justice. Topics range over: the philosophy of punishment, theories of moral responsibility, charter equality rights, and theories of distributive justice. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W. Students with credit for PHIL 333 in Spring 2016 cannot take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Chelsea Rosenthal |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in normative or meta-ethics. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Two 300-level PHIL courses; it is strongly recommended that students have taken some prior course in moral theory. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nicolas Bommarito |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Chelsea Rosenthal |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and at least one of
An exploration of philosophical issues concerning, e.g.: causation, time, modality, or the self; the realism/nominalism or realism/idealism debate; relativism; the concept of truth; naturalized epistemology; global epistemological skepticism or perhaps a 'local' form of skepticism such as skepticism about induction or about sensory belief. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PHIL 201 or 203.
A study of the nature of scientific enquiry, classificatory systems, laws and theories, the role of observation in science, the demarcation between science and non-science, causality, the status of theoretical constructs, and teleological explanation. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Holly Andersen |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B101 | TBD |
A study of theories of the mind, consciousness, and human action. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Lydia du Bois |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to the major philosophic theories of language. Topics to be considered include the relationship between language and mind, language and the world, language and society. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
and at least two of
An examination of an issue or selection of issues in the history of moral or political philosophy. Historical readings will be the primary focus and may include important figures such as Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, and Kant. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 150, 151, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
Examines central philosophical themes and figures in ancient philosophy. Topics may include justice, knowledge, the good life, time, change, appearance and reality, the nature of God, and others. Historical readings will be the central focus and may include works by Plato, Aristotle, Thales, Anaximander, Pythagoras, Parmenides and others. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315).
An examination of some central issues in 17th century philosophy. Themes may include: changing theories of causation, of the mind, and of the relation between mind and world. Historical readings will be the primary focus and may include important figures such as Descartes, Elisabeth of Bohemia, Malebranche, Spinoza, Leibniz, and Locke. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315). Students who have completed PHIL 353 or PHIL 354 prior to Fall 2006 may not take this course for further credit.
An examination of some central issues of 18th century philosophy. Themes may include the development of the theory of ideas and epistemology associated with it. The primary focus may include important figures such as Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Condillac. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315). Students with credit for PHIL 355 prior to Fall 2006 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Qiu LIn |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of some major figures in 19th century philosophy. Themes may include German idealism and romanticism, British idealism, positivism and American pragmatism; studied figures may include Schopenhauer, Fichte, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Comte, Kierkegaard, Brentano, Meinong, Mill, Peirce and James, depending on theme. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315).
May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Two 300-level PHIL courses. Writing.
PHIL 300 may not be used to satisfy the upper division requirements of this program.
* unless counted as a history stream requirement
Philosophy Major: Concentration in Law and Philosophy
Students may qualify for this concentration by completing the philosophy major lower division requirements listed above and the following upper division requirements:
Students complete at least 30 philosophy upper division units, with a minimum philosophy cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and philosophy upper division grade point average (UDGPA) of 2.0 (calculated on all ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV PHIL courses), including one course at the 400 division, and including
Explores in detail classic problems in the law using the methods and resources of philosophy. Topics may include: problems in professional ethics facing lawyers; philosophical issues in international law and human rights; constitutional interpretation and the philosophy of language; the assessment of evidence and formal epistemology; the intellectual origins of the theory of natural law and natural rights; or others. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
Explores in detail the relationship between the law and theories of justice. Topics range over: the philosophy of punishment, theories of moral responsibility, charter equality rights, and theories of distributive justice. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W. Students with credit for PHIL 333 in Spring 2016 cannot take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Chelsea Rosenthal |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and at least two of
An examination of an issue or selection of issues in social and political philosophy. Contemporary or historical readings or a mixture of these will be used. Possible topics include: justice, the law and legal systems, sovereignty, power and authority, democracy, liberty and equality. Sometimes the course will focus on the views of historically important political philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Bentham, Mill and Marx. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
An advanced investigation of central issues and theories in moral philosophy. In any given term, the course may focus on a general theory or concept or concern, for example meta-ethics, utilitarianism, or theories of rights. Sometimes it will focus on a particular problem or problems, such as medical ethics, moral personhood, or free will and moral responsibility. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Michaela Manson Michaela Manson |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of an issue or selection of issues in the history of moral or political philosophy. Historical readings will be the primary focus and may include important figures such as Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, and Kant. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 150, 151, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.
Ethical issues related to public health as they are located in and influenced by a global context. Consideration of several ethical approaches including utilitarianism, deontic ethics, and the capabilities approach, as well as theories of justice. Application of approaches to topics ranging from global markets in human organs to international migration of health workers and pharmaceutical testing in the developing world. Prerequisite: 60 units and one of the following: PHIL 120, PHIL 120W, PHIL 121, PHIL 221, PHIL 270, HSCI 319, SDA 270. PHIL 327 is identical to HSCI 327 and students may not receive credit for both. Students who have completed HSCI 320 or the spring 2011 offering of PHIL 331 may not complete this course for further credit.
A survey of contemporary issues in environmental ethics. Topics may include: animal rights, the intrinsic value of nature, 'deep ecology', obligations to future generations, conservation, environmental justice, as well as relevant background materials in ethical theory. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W. Students who have completed PHIL 318 may not take this course for further credit.
A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in normative or meta-ethics. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Two 300-level PHIL courses; it is strongly recommended that students have taken some prior course in moral theory. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nicolas Bommarito |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Chelsea Rosenthal |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and at least two of
An exploration of philosophical issues concerning, e.g.: causation, time, modality, or the self; the realism/nominalism or realism/idealism debate; relativism; the concept of truth; naturalized epistemology; global epistemological skepticism or perhaps a 'local' form of skepticism such as skepticism about induction or about sensory belief. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PHIL 201 or 203.
A study of the nature of scientific enquiry, classificatory systems, laws and theories, the role of observation in science, the demarcation between science and non-science, causality, the status of theoretical constructs, and teleological explanation. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Holly Andersen |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B101 | TBD |
A study of theories of the mind, consciousness, and human action. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Lydia du Bois |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to the major philosophic theories of language. Topics to be considered include the relationship between language and mind, language and the world, language and society. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
Examines central philosophical themes and figures in ancient philosophy. Topics may include justice, knowledge, the good life, time, change, appearance and reality, the nature of God, and others. Historical readings will be the central focus and may include works by Plato, Aristotle, Thales, Anaximander, Pythagoras, Parmenides and others. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315).
An examination of some central issues in 17th century philosophy. Themes may include: changing theories of causation, of the mind, and of the relation between mind and world. Historical readings will be the primary focus and may include important figures such as Descartes, Elisabeth of Bohemia, Malebranche, Spinoza, Leibniz, and Locke. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315). Students who have completed PHIL 353 or PHIL 354 prior to Fall 2006 may not take this course for further credit.
An examination of some central issues of 18th century philosophy. Themes may include the development of the theory of ideas and epistemology associated with it. The primary focus may include important figures such as Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Condillac. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315). Students with credit for PHIL 355 prior to Fall 2006 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Qiu LIn |
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of some major figures in 19th century philosophy. Themes may include German idealism and romanticism, British idealism, positivism and American pragmatism; studied figures may include Schopenhauer, Fichte, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Comte, Kierkegaard, Brentano, Meinong, Mill, Peirce and James, depending on theme. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315).
May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Two 300-level PHIL courses. Writing.
PHIL 300 may not be used to satisfy the upper division requirements of this program.
Seminars and Special Topics Courses
A student may not enroll in a philosophy seminar or selected topics course which duplicates work for which the student has received credit in another philosophy seminar or special topics course.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.