Department of Philosophy

The study of philosophy improves how we think and changes how we live.

At its core a search for understanding, philosophy helps students recognize their deep-rooted beliefs and ideas and challenges them to examine these ideas in detail.

We often make certain assumptions about the world around us without even realizing it. Philosophy helps us uncover and analyze these assumptions.

This process helps us better understand our world. It promotes progress by helping us see which of our assumptions can be justified and which cannot. It multiplies our freedoms, promotes equality, rids us of superstitions, and better equips us to live good and useful lives. It helps us develop into thoughtful, engaged, global citizens.

Our department values an interdisciplinary approach to education. We've partnered with three programs to enrich learning in the sciences and social sciences:

• Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics 
• Health Studies Program
• Cognitive Science Program

 Apply for a Wilson Internship

Current students now have a chance to apply for an L. R. Wilson Internship this summer. In the past, this opportunity was only available for PPE students, but is now open to Philosophy majors (or really keen minors). Please contact Dr. Majithia if you want to talk about internship ideas.

Check out this webpage for examples of past student internships. Then visit Career Services where you can find out more about the application process. The deadline to apply is February 2nd, 2025.

Dr. Moser publishes philosophical dialogue

Congrats to Dr. Robbie Moser on his recently-published and innovative philosophical dialogue!

On a Road from Eleusis to Larissa is a dialogue by Mount Allison University Philosophy professor Robbie Moser. Modelled on the Meno dialogue and following in the tradition of imaginative re-writings by Iris Murdoch and others, this text sets contemporary and ancient philosophers in conversation with one another. The voices here recall and respond to Jan Zwicky, Ludwig  Wittgenstein, Plato, and others.

Read more on the Hardscrabble Press website.

Want a little taste of an upper-year philosophy course?

Watch Dr. Jane Dryden discuss one of her specialties, the philosophy of disability! For more on this general topic, students can take PHIL 3741: Philosophy of Disability. The video was created in August 2020 to engage students who self-isolated as a precautionary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic.