阿卡迪亚大学

The study of philosophy is about asking big questions – the meaning of life, the nature of the world around us, and what forms the basis of morality. While learning is more often focused on the ‘what’, students of philosophy take on the challenge of determining the ‘why.’

By choosing to study philosophy you can learn valuable life skills to put to use in both your professional and personal lives. These life skills encompass effective communication, critical and logical thinking, and an ability to grasp all angles of an argument and analyze it to get to the crux of an issue - a skill-set vital to work in law, politics, business, and academia.

Philosophy tackles the most fundamental questions such as “How should I live? Is there a God? What are my rights and responsibilities? Do I have free will?” Studying philosophy will provide insight into such questions and help you develop the skills of analysis, argumentation, and clear expression. Philosophical questions underlie the theory and practice of every academic field.

Philosophy courses may be taken simply as general arts electives or to fulfill a Minor, Major, Honours, or multidisciplinary program. Students wishing to complete a program in philosophy should choose courses based on the regulations below.

1. The Arts Core (30h)

Major requirements (42h); courses offered to satisfy Major requirements must be completed with a grade of "C–" or better:

1. 6h of Phil at the 1000 level
2. 2006 (Ancient Philosophy) or both 3513 (Plato) and 3533 (Aristotle)
3. 2016 (Early Modern Philosophy)
4. 6h from among 2303, 2306, 2713, 3203, 3213
5. 2813 (Logic 1) or 2823 (Logic 2)
6. 2913 (Philosophy of Science)
7. An additional 12h of Phil, which must include 6h at the 3000 level or above
8. A minimum of 24h to satisfy minor requirements in a single subject or in multidisciplinary studies. Only 6h at the 1000 level may be offered toward minor requirements in one subject.
9. Elective courses to complete a total of 120h
10. At least 96h must be taken in the Faculties of Arts and Science.

Second Majors may take a 36h major comprising 6h of Phil at the 1000 level; 2006 or both 3513 and 3533; 2016; 6h from among 2303, 2306, 2713, 3203, 3213; and an additional 12h of Phil, which must include 6h at the 3000 level or above.

Honours: Thesis-based, with research