Philosophy (PHIL)
Department of Philosophy, College of Arts
Our programs are designed to educate students about philosophical discussions of central questions in ethics, political philosophy, theory of knowledge, metaphysics and philosophy of science, among other areas. This includes learning the history of these subjects as well as understanding current debates. In gaining this knowledge students develop crucial skills of articulation, critical thinking, intellectual independence and the ability to understand others’ viewpoints and assumptions. It is important that students discuss their programs with a Faculty Advisor (https://www.uoguelph.ca/uaic/facultyadvisors-ba/) in order to ensure that the best selection of elective Philosophy courses is made. This is especially important for students who are contemplating graduate work in Philosophy.
Students may take PHIL*1000 Classic Thinkers, PHIL*1010 Social and Political Issues, PHIL*1030 Sex, Love, and Friendship and PHIL*1050 Ethics, Knowledge, and Reality but only two may be counted towards the minimum number of Philosophy courses required for a degree.
Major Requirements (Honours)
This is a major within the degree: Bachelor of Arts.
8.50 Philosophy credits are required, as follows
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL*2100 | Critical Thinking | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2110 | Formal Logic | |
| PHIL*2120 | Ethics | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2280 | Key Concepts in Political Philosophy | |
| PHIL*2140 | Ancient Greek Philosophy | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2160 | Early Modern Philosophy: Reason vs. Experience | |
| PHIL*2180 | Philosophy of Science | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2240 | Knowledge and Belief | |
| or PHIL*2370 | Metaphysics and Mind | |
| PHIL*4820 | Philosophy Research Presentation | 0.50 |
| 1.50 credits in Philosophy at the 3000 level or higher 1 | 1.50 | |
| 1.00 credits in Philosophy at the 4000 level | 1.00 | |
| 3.50 credits in Philosophy electives 2 | 3.50 | |
- 1
PSYC*3280 Minds, Brains & Machines may be used as a 3000 level Philosophy course.
- 2
Students may only count 1.00 credits at the 1000 level towards this requirement.
Minor Requirements (Honours)
This minor cannot be combined with a major in Philosophy.
5.00 Philosophy credits are required, as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL*2100 | Critical Thinking | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2110 | Formal Logic | |
| PHIL*2120 | Ethics | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2280 | Key Concepts in Political Philosophy | |
| PHIL*2240 | Knowledge and Belief | 0.50 |
| PHIL*2370 | Metaphysics and Mind | 0.50 |
| 1.00 credits in Philosophy | 1.00 | |
| 2.00 credits in Philosophy at the 3000 level or higher. 2 | 2.00 | |
- 2
PSYC*3280 Minds, Brains & Machines may be used as a 3000 level Philosophy course.
Area of Concentration Requirements (General)
This is an area of concentration within the degree: Bachelor of Arts.
5.00 Philosophy credits are required, as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL*2100 | Critical Thinking | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2110 | Formal Logic | |
| PHIL*2120 | Ethics | 0.50 |
| or PHIL*2280 | Key Concepts in Political Philosophy | |
| PHIL*2240 | Knowledge and Belief | 0.50 |
| PHIL*2370 | Metaphysics and Mind | 0.50 |
| 1.50 credits in Philosophy 1 | 1.50 | |
| 1.50 credits in Philosophy at the 3000 level or higher. 2 | 1.50 | |
- 1
Students may only count 1.00 credits at the 1000 level towards this requirement.
- 2
PSYC*3280 Minds, Brains & Machines may be used as a 3000 level Philosophy course.