Philosophy

Philosophy at Trent University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Students will engage with a diverse range of philosophical traditions, from ancient to contemporary, gaining insights into metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, and political philosophy. Through a combination of lectures, seminar discussions, and independent research, the curriculum encourages active participation and intellectual curiosity. The program emphasizes the development of original thinking and the ability to analyze arguments, fostering skills applicable across numerous fields such as law, education, public policy, and the arts. Additionally, students will have opportunities to study the history of philosophy, exploring the ideas of influential philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Nietzsche, and many others. Trent’s Philosophy program also offers specialization options for students interested in ethics, philosophy of mind, or logic, allowing for tailored academic pathways. Collaboration with faculty members who are active researchers ensures that students are exposed to current debates and contemporary issues within philosophy. As part of their education, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, conferences, and research projects that enhance their learning experience and prepare them for graduate studies or professional careers. The program aims to cultivate not only a deep understanding of philosophical concepts but also the skills necessary to critically evaluate information, construct coherent arguments, and contribute thoughtfully to intellectual discussions. Graduates of the Philosophy program at Trent University leave equipped with analytical abilities, ethical awareness, and a broad worldview, ready to pursue a variety of career paths or further academic pursuits.

The Philosophy program at Trent University offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality. Designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a depth of understanding across various philosophical traditions, this program provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, law, public service, or any field that values rigorous reasoning and ethical consideration. The curriculum encompasses core topics such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, logic, and the history of philosophy, including ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods. Students will engage with the works of influential philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Nietzsche, and contemporary thinkers, analyzing their ideas and applying philosophical methods to contemporary issues. The program emphasizes active participation in discussion, analytical writing, and individual research, encouraging students to develop their own philosophical inquiries. In addition to traditional lectures, students can participate in seminars, workshops, and interdisciplinary projects that connect philosophy with other disciplines such as political science, psychology, and environmental studies. The faculty members are dedicated scholars with diverse research interests, providing personalized mentorship and fostering an engaging academic environment. Graduates of the Philosophy program at Trent University will be well-equipped with critical thinking skills, a nuanced understanding of complex issues, and the ability to articulate arguments effectively—skills that are highly valued in a wide range of professional settings. Whether aiming for advanced academic study or preparing for careers in government, business, education, or non-profit sectors, students will find that the philosophy program offers an intellectually enriching experience that encourages lifelong learning and ethical reflection.

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Trent University requires students to complete a total of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs). The core program includes foundational courses in Western philosophy, such as Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, and Logic. Students must also select additional courses from areas such as Ancient Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, and Contemporary Issues in Philosophy. A critical component of the degree involves the completion of at least one upper-year seminar course, which emphasizes independent research and advanced analysis. To encourage breadth of knowledge, students are required to take courses across various philosophical disciplines, including epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. In addition to the coursework, students must complete a major research paper in their final year, demonstrating the ability to engage with philosophical texts and develop coherent arguments. For honours programs, students are often expected to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average, typically around 70%, to qualify for honours standing. Language proficiency requirements are not specifically mandated for philosophy students; however, proficiency in English is necessary due to the rigorous reading and writing demands of the program. Students are also encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and philosophical societies to enhance their understanding and engagement with contemporary philosophical debates. Transfer students or those entering from other institutions may have their previous coursework evaluated for credit towards the degree requirements, subject to departmental approval. Overall, the program is designed to provide students with critical thinking, analytical writing, and philosophical inquiry skills applicable to various careers, including law, education, public policy, and further academic study.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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The Philosophy undergraduate program at Trent University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for Canadian students typically range around CAD 8,000 to CAD 9,000 per year, depending on the specific course load and residency status, while international students can expect higher fees, approximately CAD 25,000 to CAD 30,000 annually. Trent University provides a variety of scholarships and bursaries to help offset these costs, including entrance scholarships for high-achieving students, which can be awarded automatically based on academic performance, as well as need-based bursaries aimed at assisting students facing financial challenges. Additionally, there are specific awards for students in the Faculty of Arts and Science, which encompasses Philosophy.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government student aid programs, grants, and private scholarships. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is available to Ontario residents, providing loans and grants to help cover educational expenses. For international students, funding opportunities may include international scholarships offered by the university or through external organizations. Work opportunities are also available on campus, including part-time roles in library services, administrative offices, and research assistant positions, which can help students earn income while studying.

Trent University also participates in co-op programs and internships, which, although primarily aimed at skill development, may offer stipends or financial compensation that contributes to overall study financing. Moreover, financial planning resources and student services are available to assist students in managing their funds effectively and understanding eligibility criteria for various aid programs. Payment plans are offered to spread tuition costs over multiple installments, easing the financial burden at the beginning of each term. Overall, Trent University is committed to fostering accessible education through diverse financial support options designed to enable students to focus on their academic pursuits without undue financial stress.

The Philosophy program at Trent University offers students an in-depth exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, reasoning, and the nature of reality. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and philosophical understanding through a comprehensive curriculum that covers various branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and the history of philosophy. Students engage with both classical and contemporary philosophical texts, fostering the ability to analyze complex ideas and construct well-reasoned arguments. The program emphasizes active participation in discussions, writing insightful essays, and conducting research, preparing graduates for careers in education, law, public service, or further academic study. Trent’s philosophy faculty members are recognized scholars committed to mentoring students and promoting a collaborative learning environment. The program typically offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major or honours in Philosophy, with opportunities for interdisciplinary studies and minors. Courses are designed to accommodate both aspiring philosophers and students interest in applying philosophical perspectives to real-world issues. The university's small class sizes enable personalized attention and meaningful interaction between students and instructors. Additionally, students may benefit from various extracurricular activities, such as philosophy clubs, conferences, and seminars, which enhance the educational experience and promote community engagement. Graduates of the Philosophy program at Trent are equipped with critical reasoning skills essential for diverse professional fields and lifelong learning pursuits.