Philosophy Courses

PHIL 100W - Knowledge and Reality (3)

An introduction to some of the central problems of philosophy. Topics to be discussed include the different theories of reality; the nature and sources of knowledge, truth, evidence, and reason; the justification of belief and knowledge about the universe. These topics and problems will be considered as they arise in the context of issues such as: relativism versus absolutism; the existence of God; personal identity; the nature of the mind and its relation to the body; free will and determinism; the possibility of moral knowledge. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 100 or PHIL 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

PHIL 105 - Critical Thinking (3)

An introduction to the tools of reasoning used in everyday life and in science. The overall aim of the course is to understand what makes good reasoning good, what makes bad reasoning bad, and how to do more of the former and less of the latter. Topics include: construction, analysis, and evaluation of arguments; logic and probability; updating beliefs and making decisions; designing experiments; interpreting statistics; identifying fallacies and biases. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL XX1 may not take this course for further credit. Q/Breadth-Social Sci/Sciences.

PHIL 110 - Introduction to Logic and Reasoning (3)

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.

PHIL 120W - Moral and Legal Problems (3)

A critical examination of a range of moral and legal issues we confront in our dealings with the state and our fellow human beings, such as: Is it wrong to break the law? Should pornography and recreational drugs be illegal? Do animals have rights? Is there a duty to admit immigrants? Are there duties to the world's poor? Are indigenous peoples owed reparations? Students with credit for PHIL 120 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

PHIL 121 - Global Justice (3)

An introduction to the ethical issues arising from interactions of states, NGOs and other international agents. Topics may include international human rights, terrorism, war, gender justice, climate justice, fairness in international trade, cultural diversity and conflict, the rights of indigenous peoples, collective responsibility and restitution for historical wrongdoing, among others. Students who have received credit for PHIL 220 cannot receive credit for this course. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

PHIL 131 - Selected Topics (3)

A specific topic, philosopher or philosophical work to be dealt with as occasion and demand warrant. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Breadth-Humanities.

PHIL 144 - Introduction to Philosophy of Science (3)

An introduction to philosophical issues concerning the nature of science. Topics to be discussed include the distinction between science and pseudo-science, the nature of scientific method, the nature of explanation in the natural and social sciences, the phenomenon of scientific change, the relationship between scientific theory and observation, and the objectivity of social science. Students with credit for PHIL 244 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Sciences.

PHIL 150 - Great Works in the History of Philosophy (3)

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.

PHIL 201 - Epistemology (3)

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.

PHIL 203 - Metaphysics (3)

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.

PHIL 221 - Ethical Theory (3)

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.

PHIL 270 - Data, Ethics and Society (3)

Introduces students to the ethical, legal, and privacy issues surrounding the collection and use of big data and the implications of these for vulnerable populations. Students with credit for SDA 270 may not take this course for further credit.

PHIL 280 - Introduction to Existentialism (3)

A study of existentialist philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Camus and a survey of precursors such as Kant and Hegel.

PHIL 300 - Introduction to Philosophy (3)

An introductory course specifically intended for students in other departments who have at least 60 units. This course is more advanced than 100 and 200 division courses and is of interest to students not only in the humanities, but also in the natural and social sciences. This course does not count towards the upper division requirements for a student pursuing a minor, major, or honours program in philosophy. Prerequisite: At least 60 units. Students with credit for PHIL 100 or PHIL 100W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

PHIL 302 - Topics in Epistemology and Metaphysics (3)

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.

PHIL 310 - Logic, Proofs and Set Theory (3)

An advanced introduction to the logical techniques and concepts required for the construction of proofs, including the fundamental principles of set theory and concepts such as set, relation, function, sequence, orderings and others. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 110, 210, 314, 315, or MACM 101; or a minimum of 12 units in MATH. Quantitative.

PHIL 314 - Topics in Logic (3)

An examination of one or more topics such as: alethic modal logic, applied modal logic, classical metatheory, and non-classical logic. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 110, 210, 310, 315, or MACM 101, or with the approval of the instructor or department.

PHIL 315 - Formal Methods (3)

A survey of formal methods used in philosophy. Topics will include some of the following: propositional logic, predicate logic, formal syntax, formal semantics, the probability calculus, decision theory, game theory and formal causal modeling. Prerequisite: One of: PHIL 110, 210, 310, 314, MACM 101, BUEC 232, BUS 232, or STAT 270. Students with credit for COGS 315 cannot take this course for further credit.

PHIL 320 - Social and Political Philosophy (3)

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.

PHIL 321 - Topics in Moral Philosophy (3)

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.

PHIL 322 - History of Ethics (3)

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.

PHIL 326 - Topics in Law and Philosophy (3)

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.

PHIL 327 - Global Health Ethics (3)

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.

PHIL 328 - Environmental Philosophy (3)

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.

PHIL 329 - Law and Justice (3)

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.

PHIL 331 - Selected Topics (3)

May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: As stated by department at time of offering.

PHIL 332 - Selected Topics (3)

May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: As stated by department at time of offering.

PHIL 341 - Philosophy of Science (3)

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.

PHIL 342 - Topics in Asian Philosophy (3)

A discussion of philosophical issues raised by works of Asian philosophy, either historical or contemporary. This may include classical Chinese philosophy, Buddhist philosophy, and/or other Asian philosophical traditions. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 110, PHIL 105, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315). (This prerequisite may be waived in some cases, at the discretion of the instructor.). Students who have taken PHIL 322 in Spring 2020 or Spring 2021, PHIL 333 in Summer 2015, or PHIL 357 in Fall 2020, under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.

PHIL 343 - Topics in the Philosophy of Mind (3)

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.

PHIL 344 - Topics in the Philosophy of Language (3)

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.

PHIL 345W - Philosophy of Mathematics (3)

Examines central philosophical issues related to mathematics. Topics may include the metaphysical status of mathematical entities, mathematical knowledge, set theory and others. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 110, 210, 314, 315 or MACM 101. Writing.

PHIL 346 - Topics in Philosophy and Religion (3)

An examination of philosophical questions related to religious belief and practice. Topics may include: the existence and nature of God, the problem of evil, and the epistemology of religious belief. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PHIL 201 or PHIL 203. Students with credit for PHIL 240 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken PHIL 302 in Summer 2019, PHIL 331 in Spring 2017 or Summer 2021, under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.

PHIL 350 - Ancient Philosophy (3)

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).

PHIL 352 - 17th Century Philosophy (3)

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.

PHIL 356 - 18th Century Philosophy (3)

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.

PHIL 357 - Topics in the History of Philosophy (3)

May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315).

PHIL 358 - 19th Century Philosophy (3)

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).

PHIL 421W - Advanced Topics in Ethical Theory (4)

A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in normative or meta-ethics. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units. It is strongly recommended that students in PHIL 421W have taken prior courses in moral theory. Writing.

PHIL 435 - Selected Topics (4)

A specific topic, philosopher or philosophical work to be dealt with as occasion and demand warrant. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Two 300-level PHIL courses.

PHIL 451W - Advanced Topics in the History of Philosophy (4)

A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in the history of philosophy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units. It is highly recommended that students in PHIL 451W have taken prior courses in the history of philosophy. Writing.

PHIL 455W - Advanced Topics in Epistemology and Metaphysics (4)

A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in metaphysics or epistemology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units. It is strongly recommended that students in PHIL 455W have taken prior courses in metaphysics and epistemology. Writing.

PHIL 467W - Advanced Seminar (4)

An advanced, in-depth seminar on a contemporary or historical philosophical topic. Required for all students in a philosophy major, philosophy honours, or joint major program. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units or permission from the instructor. Students not in a philosophy major, philosophy honours, or joint major program can take PHIL 467W only with special permission from the instructor. Writing.

PHIL 479 - Honours Tutorial in Philosophy (3)

In PHIL 479, each student will take a paper they wrote in a previous course (typically a 400- or 800-level seminar) and develop it into an honours thesis, supervised by the instructor of the previous course. Students may not enroll in PHIL 479 until a faculty member has agreed to supervise them. PHIL 479 is required for completion of the program, honours in philosophy. Prerequisite: Enrolled in the philosophy honours program. Students who have taken PHIL 477 or PHIL 478 first may not then take this course for further credit.

PHIL 802 - Selected Topics in Epistemology (5)

PHIL 803 - Selected Topics in Metaphysics (5)

PHIL 804 - Selected Topics in Philosophy of Science (5)

PHIL 805 - Selected Topics in Philosophy of Mind (5)

PHIL 806 - Selected Topics in Philosophy of Language (5)

PHIL 812 - Selected Topics in Logic I (5)

PHIL 813 - Selected Topics in Logic II (5)

PHIL 814 - Selected Topics in Philosophy of Mathematics (5)

PHIL 815 - Selected Topics in Formal Studies (5)

PHIL 822 - Selected Topics in Normative Ethics (5)

PHIL 823 - Selected Topics Meta-Ethics (5)

PHIL 824 - Selected Topics Moral Psychology (5)

PHIL 825 - Selected Topics in Social and Political Philosophy (5)

PHIL 826 - Selected Topics in Aesthetics (5)

PHIL 852 - Selected Topics in Ancient Philosophy (5)

PHIL 853 - Selected Topics in Medieval Philosophy (5)

PHIL 854 - Selected Topics in Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century Philosophy (5)

PHIL 855 - Selected Topics in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Philosophy (5)

PHIL 861 - Directed Studies: Selected Topics I (5)

PHIL 862 - Directed Studies: Selected Topics II (5)

PHIL 864 - Directed Studies: Selected Topics IV (3)

PHIL 865 - Directed Studies: Selected Topics V (2)

PHIL 880 - Pro-Seminar (5)

PHIL 898 - MA Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

PHIL 899 - Professional Paper Project Completion (6)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

PHIL 998 - PhD Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.