Philosophy
Does life have meaning? What should we believe? What is justice? Why are some art and music great and some not so good? What moral duties do we have to each other, to our society and to our environment? Philosophy addresses these kinds of fundamental questions. If you already ask yourself some of them, you are already thinking philosophically. Philosophy offers the chance to explore and debate these issues and the training for creative and critical thinking about them. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose to take a course or major in Philosophy at the University of Saskatchewan
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is critical and creative thinking about fundamental questions, such as what is meant by a worthwhile life, what sense there is to the universe and what makes a just society. The program at the U of S provides systematic training in the analysis of these types of questions.
Philosophy touches on almost every area of study. Major developments in biology, economics, mathematics, physics and psychology started as philosophical hypotheses. It is a critical subject requiring a willingness to consider both sides of a question and to test statements by raising possible objections from many points of view. A student in Philosophy learns to make careful distinctions, to see logical relationships and to argue rationally.
The critical thinking skills I have gained with my Philosophy degree have been beneficial in both career and life situations. Professors focus on engaging arguments and developing ideas through discussion. The subject matter of philosophy is diverse. Anyone
can benefit from a course in Philosophy.—Kristin Rodier, B.A. (High Honours) 2005
Hometown: Saskatoon SK
A Stepping Stone...
Philosophy is especially beneficial for students considering law, journalism, medicine, politics, theology or any career that involves critical thinking, writing, communication or problem solving. Philosophy training develops skills that are highly transferable to a wide variety of careers and jobs.
Many Philosophy students go on to do graduate work at the U of S and other top universities around the world. The Department offers a program leading to a Master's degree with courses and expertise in most areas of philosophy, including the history of philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, aesthetics, social and political philosophy, and philosophy of religion.
Career Opportunities
The skills gained by students in Philosophy are useful in all fields especially those that are global, such as law. Some students go on to seek academic employment as Philosophy professors in universities, while many pursue professions or careers outside the university, including journalism, law, and employment in the public service or private industry. Many students have gone on to successful careers in business, and some businesses specifically seek out students with philosophical training.
The U of S Advantage
The Department of Philosophy offers a well-rounded curriculum with interesting and challenging courses on topics such as morality, the nature of the mind, and the structure of human thinking (logic, decision theory, theory of knowledge). Enrolments in most intermediate and senior classes are small enough that students have ample opportunity for lively discussions and one-on-one contact with the professors. The Philosophy faculty is a diverse group engaged in a variety of research projects, thereby making for a stimulating atmosphere for both faculty and students. This is further enhanced by the activities of the Philosophy Club and by various events – such as conferences and guest speakers – put on by the Department.
Choose Your Program!
The Department offers courses in three areas of philosophy:
- History of Philosophy – covering the philosophers and philosophical movements that have been significant in the history of philosophy, from the ancient Greeks (Plato & Aristotle) to the mid-twentieth century.
- Philosophical Problems – studying such questions as the nature and limits of human knowledge, the relation between mind and body, and the ultimate constituents of reality.
- Philosophical Study of Value – addressing general issues such as the nature of morality or the objectivity of moral principles, as well as particular issues of concern such as whether mercy killing is ever justified or if genetically modified foods should be banned.
The program has several complementary courses such as art, human nature, sexuality, and science and philosophy of mind. The Department also offers ethics courses that focus on business, the biomedical professions and the practical problems of daily life.
Students have many exciting options when choosing courses: logic, metaphysics, moral philosophy, social and political philosophy, theory of knowledge and much more!
A Major in Philosophy
Students majoring in Philosophy can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
Most students in the Honours program plan to pursue advanced education in philosophy or enter into a professional college. A minor in Philosophy can be taken in conjunction with any other Three-year, Four-year or Honours degree.
Philosophy is an excellent department to start in if you are unsure of your major. It will help you to better determine your interests, objectives and capabilities. Once a person is equipped with the timeless tools of philosophy, they can easily turn their attention to any other subject they are interested in, bringing with them perspective and rationality.—Derek Postnikoff,
B.Sc. Double Honours, Mathematics and Philosophy
Outstanding Faculty
- Professor Eric Dayton is the Anglophone Editor of Dialogue: Canadian Philosophical Review—the official journal of the Canadian Philosophical Association, which is the official organization of academic philosophers in Canada.
- Professor Rob Hudson was awarded a Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council grant to investigate the significance of novel observational evidence for scientific progress, a project that will feature the analysis of scientific practices involving the Canadian Light Source synchrotron.
Getting Involved!
Join the Philosophy Club—socialize and challenge other students' views outside the classroom. Events include film nights, mini-debates and weekly discussions. In addition, the Club hosts a number of social events as fundraisers to send students to conferences. Members may also attend many speaker forums throughout the year, featuring presentations by faculty from the Department and across North America. In January 2007, the Club hosted the Prairie Provinces Undergraduate Philosophy Association conference, at which philosophy students from across the west will gather to present papers and discuss philosophy.
The Philosophy Club also provides an opportunity for students to share advice and information about philosophy courses, programs and events.
Research Facilities
The University of Saskatchewan Library provides extensive access to scholarly information including all the major encyclopedias and journals in philosophy. Students also have web access to electronic versions of these resources. Library staff are available to guide students through the maze of research materials available in print, in microform and on the web.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
Related Interests
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