New Courses in 2023-24

Philosophy 2310G- Philosophy of Modern Physics: An examination of philosophical problems to which modern physical theories of quantum mechanics and relativity have given rise. No previous formal training in physics and mathematics will be presupposed.

Philosophy 2661F- Philosophy of Religion: An examination of issues in philosophy of religion, focusing on arguments concerning the existence of God, the immortality of the soul, the occurrence of miracles, the validity of religious experience, and the place of religion in morality. Independent critical thinking is stressed, and no particular religious views are presupposed.

Philosophy 3030G- Nietzsche: This course is a survey of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical writings, including texts from his early, middle, and late periods. Among the topics to be considered are his critique of Western morality, his doctrine of eternal recurrence, his rejection of the subject, and his declaration of the death of God.

Philosophy 3032G- The Rationalist Tradition: A study of efforts in early modern philosophy to place human knowledge, including philosophy, theology, and the sciences, on a rational foundation. The works of Descartes and his successors, such as Malebranche, Spinoza, Leibniz, and others, will be emphasized.

Philosophy 3420G- Philosophy of Psychology: Conceptual issues arising in psychology. Topics may include: modularity, nativism, theory of mind, the theory theory, simulation theory, concept acquisition, conceptual content. The methodology used by psychologists may also be investigated. Though some historical writings may be used, the emphasis will be on contemporary works.

Philosophy 4050G- Seminar in Kant's First Critique: A broadly-based study of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason and his related critical and pre-critical writings on physical, metaphysical and epistemological topics. More information to follow.

Philosophy 4091G- Topics in Continental Philosophy: A study of selected topics in continental philosophy. The topics dealt with vary from year to year. More detailed information concerning content and prerequisites may be obtained from the Department prior to registration. More information to follow.

Philosophy 4510F- Problems in Epistemology: An advanced treatment of a particular problem arising in epistemology. More information to follow.

Philosophy 4751F- Gender & Race: This course deals with various types of philosophical questions about gender and race, including metaphysical, epistemological, political, and ethical questions. The goals are to analyze how philosophers have approached these questions, and in doing so, take seriously how gender and race intersect with one another.

Philosophy 4900G- Honours Capstone Seminar: This seminar will introduce students to contemporary philosophical research. Students will read and present on material recently published in the instructor's areas of expertise. Students will be guided through the process of identifying paper topics that could contribute to active research in philosophy.