Philosophy

The Philosophy program at the University of Calgary offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, reason, and language. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical awareness, the program provides a broad overview of philosophical traditions from ancient to contemporary times. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, science, and religion.

The curriculum is structured to foster argumentative rigor and clear expression, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in law, education, public service, business, and academia. Courses are taught by experienced faculty members who are active researchers and scholars committed to engaging students in meaningful philosophical inquiry. The program encourages both theoretical understanding and practical application of philosophical ideas, emphasizing independent thinking and the development of well-founded positions on complex issues.

Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, with options for specialization or minors in Philosophy. The program promotes intellectual versatility and ethical responsibility, equipping students with skills to analyze, interpret, and evaluate arguments critically. The discipline also emphasizes clarity of communication, both verbal and written, essential for success in many professional fields.

Beyond coursework, students may participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that deepen their engagement with philosophical debates and foster collaboration with faculty and peers. The university's resources, including libraries and research centers, support students' academic pursuits and exploration of specialized interests within philosophy.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for graduate studies in philosophy or related disciplines, as well as careers that require complex problem-solving, ethical judgment, and analytical proficiency. The Philosophy program at the University of Calgary strives to cultivate thoughtful, informed individuals capable of contributing to societal and intellectual development through rigorous philosophical inquiry and active citizenship.

• Moral and Reason Internalism 
• Explanation 
• Philosophical Topics in the Sciences: Issues in the Historical Sciences
• Philosophy and Neuroscience 
• Biotechnology and the Law: Legal, Ethical and Metaphysical Issues in Emerging Biotechnology
• Graduate Proseminar
• Aquinas 
• Naturalistic Metaphysics
• The Problem of Evil in Early Modern Philosophy 
• Fundamentality and the Laws of Nature
• Reasons, Rationality, and Morality 
• Distributive Justice 
• Philosophy of Language: Counting
• Graduate Proseminar 
• Feminist Philosophy in Medieval Paris 
• Free Will and Semi-Compatibilism
• Epistemology of Scientific Practice
• Hume on Religion 
• Topics in Metaphysics: Identity and Time
• Reasons, Rationality & Morality
• The Norms of Assertion
• Topics in Philosophy of Science: Reductionism
• Application of Logic in Philosophy
• Graduate Proseminar 

Requirements

• Students applying for admission to the MA with Thesis program normally hold an undergraduate baccalaureate degree in philosophy; however, applications are considered from students with less exposure to philosophy but a strong record in a related academic field. Generally, the Department admits students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on the University of Calgary's 4.0 scale.
• An online application for admission.
• A non-refundable application fee for each application to a graduate degree program. The application fee is CDN $125 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and CDN $145 for international students who will be attending on a Study Permit. Cheques or money orders must be made payable to the University of Calgary. Applications will be processed only if the fee has been paid.
• Two official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, signed and sealed from the issuing institution. The Department can print University of Calgary transcripts from the InfoNet.
• Three appropriate letters of reference (uploaded into the online application).
• Official TOEFL scores for international applicants. TOEFL score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based) or 560 (paper-based). Our institution code is 0813.
• A sample of written work. Limit your paper to a maximum of fifteen double spaced typed pages including notes and bibliography (uploaded into the online application).
• An online Graduate Award Competition application for PhD and MA applicants.
• MA applicants not submitting a Graduate Award application must submit a scholarship package to the Department which includes: a letter of intent requesting consideration for scholarship, two letters of reference (students applying for admission can designate two of their three letters to be considered for use in the fellowship application); a 1-page research proposal; a bibliography; and, if applicable, a letter outlining any special circumstances to be considered in your scholarship application.

Scholarships 

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GATs): Teaching and instruc­tional service to an instructor in an under­graduate course. Stipends in 2015-16 amount to $8,633.47 per term (four months), funded and awarded by the Department of Philosophy. No more than an average of 12 hours per week of service (including preparation) may be required of teaching assistants.
• Faculty of Graduate Studies Research Scholarships (FGSs): Awarded for research tasks directly related to the student's own research. Stipends range from $1000 to $10,000 per term (four months), funded by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and awarded by the Department of Philosophy. No teaching or service duties are required of research assistants. 

The University of Calgary offers a comprehensive Philosophy program designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and human nature. This program provides students with a strong foundation in both historical and contemporary philosophical thought, enabling them to engage thoughtfully with complex ideas and develop well-reasoned arguments. Courses cover a broad range of topics, including epistemology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, the history of philosophy, and philosophy of science. Students have opportunities to explore various philosophical traditions and methodologies, preparing them for careers in academia, law, public policy, business, and other fields that require strong analytical and reasoning skills. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, encouraging students to critically evaluate ideas and consider their implications in real-world contexts. Faculty members are recognized experts in their fields, and students benefit from small class sizes, personalized instruction, and research opportunities. The program also promotes interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to combine philosophy with other disciplines such as literature, history, political science, and cognitive science. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in various sectors, including education, law, journalism, public administration, and research. The University of Calgary supports students through academic advising, career services, and involvement in philosophical societies and conferences. Overall, the Philosophy program at the University of Calgary aims to develop thoughtful, analytical, and ethical individuals prepared to address complex questions facing society today.