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Philosophy

Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Administered by: Department of Philosophy
Program Format: Full-time, four-year program.
Full-time, five-year co-op program.

O.S.S.D. with six Grade 12 U/M courses, including Grade 12 U English.

Notes:
  1. ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English. 
  2. A grade of 70 percent or higher will be required in Grade 12 U English.
  3. Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.

Spanning much of the period of recorded culture, courses in this program offer students a well-rounded understanding of philosophy's central debates. The program focuses on the history of philosophical ideas and develops students' critical argumentation skills. It also provides students with the chance to examine the practical applications of philosophical theories and methods.

By studying the great ideas of the past and present, along with their applications to the real world, students in this unique program acquire the analytical skills that will help prepare them for exciting careers in the future.

The core goals of the program are to:

  • Develop students' analytical reasoning skills;
  • Develop students' understanding of the broad intellectual contours and social relevance of our shared philosophical heritage;
  • Develop oral and written and communication skills;
  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of how philosophical theories and methods are applicable to contemporary political and social issues

 

Career Opportunities

The critical thinking, oral and written communication skills, and analytical reasoning competencies that students of philosophy amass during their studies make them ideal candidates for a variety of positions in a diverse range of fields. They go on to pursue opportunities with employers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors that value critical analysis and problem-solving skills. They can also choose to further their studies by pursuing a Master of Arts in Philosophy, a two-year program that offers a thesis stream and a major research paper stream. Popular choices for further studies among philosophy graduates include law school and teachers college.

Curriculum Information

The discipline of Philosophy draws on the theories, methods, and practices of a broad range of humanities and social sciences. Therefore, the Philosophy program builds on a common first-year platform shared with other programs in the Faculty of Arts, with specialization in Philosophy occurring in years two through four of the degree.

Semesters One and Two:  In the first year, which is shared with the programs in Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Language and Intercultural Relations, Politics and Governance, Psychology, and Sociology, students take their first two university-level Philosophy courses from a number of options that explore the subject across a range of themes, time periods, and geographical contexts. In addition to taking further electives in a broad range of areas, students will also acquire skills and knowledge in two foundational courses: Academic Writing and Research and Critical Thinking.

Semesters Three through Six: In second year, students take their third foundational course, Research Design and Qualitative Methods, as well as two required historical philosophy courses: Ancient Greek Philosophy and Early Modern Philosophy. Students have the opportunity to choose between Introduction to Ethics or Introduction to Political Philosophy, and take one course from each of the three core elective groups. A wide variety of other Philosophy electives are on offer, as well as electives from outside the discipline.

Semesters Seven and Eight: In the last year of the program, as students consider the opportunities they will pursue after graduation, they solidify their philosophical expertise and sharpen their professional competence by taking a number of senior seminars of their choice. Other Philosophy and non- Philosophy electives are also taken to complete the 40 courses of the degree (of which 20 are in Philosophy).

Transferability Guidelines

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts programs in Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Language and Intercultural Relations, Philosophy, Politics and Governance, Psychology or Sociology may transfer to any one of the other nine programs or to any one of the approved double major programs for the Fall term of their second year of studies. Applications are provided via Google Form and must be submitted by February 2nd. Transfer applications are considered on a competitive basis subject to program capacity, and therefore, program choice cannot be guaranteed.

In order to transfer to Philosophy from any of Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, Language and Intercultural Relations, Politics and Governance, Psychology, or Sociology, students must:

  1. have a CLEAR Academic Standing at the end of the Winter term of their second semester of studies; and
  2. have successfully completed PHL 102 and preferably one of PHL 101, PHL 110, PHL 187, PHL 201, PHL 212, PHL 306, PHL 333, PHL 365, PHL 366, and PHL 406

Co-operative Program Overview

The Philosophy Program is part of the Faculty of Arts Co-operative Education program. This program provides students with the opportunity to integrate three career-relevant paid employment experiences in various terms throughout their program of study. Students must also complete an academic course prior to their first work term, which will provide a foundational understanding of the labour market context, while also facilitating skill development related to job searching and successful employment.

Applications for this program are submitted in the winter term of a student’s first year. Visit the Career and Co-op website to learn more.

Liberal Studies

Students must take two lower level liberal studies courses and four upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. Students must not choose courses that are restricted for their program or major.

Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .

Table A - Lower Level Restrictions

Philosophy courses are not available for credit.

Table B - Upper Level Restrictions

Philosophy courses are not available for credit.

Minors

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Toronto Met (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window)  for complete details.

1st & 2nd Semester

REQUIRED:

REQUIRED GROUP 1: One course from the following:

  • PHL 101 Plato and the Roots of Western Philosophy
  • PHL 110 Philosophy of Religion I
  • PHL 187 Classical Philosophy
  • PHL 201 Problems in Philosophy
  • PHL 212 Introductory Logic
  • PHL 306 Freedom, Equality, Limits of Authority
  • PHL 333 Philosophy of Human Nature
  • PHL 365 Philosophy of Beauty
  • PHL 366 Existentialism and Art and Culture
  • PHL 406 Issues of Life, Death and Poverty

REQUIRED GROUP 2: Four courses from Table I.

OPEN ELECTIVES: Two Open Electives.

  

3rd & 4th Semester

Revised curriculum begins 2024-2025 for students admitted Fall 2023 and after.

REQUIRED:

  • PHL 402 Ancient Greek Philosophy
  • PHL 403 Early Modern Philosophy
  • SSH 301 Research Design and Qualitative Methods

CORE ELECTIVE: One course from the following:

  • PHL 404 Introduction to Ethics
  • PHL 405 Introduction to Political Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVES: Three courses from Table II.

CORE ELECTIVES/OPEN ELECTIVE: One course from Table I* or one Open Elective

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

*Students in the Co-op Program should take SSH104 (Table I) to fulfill this requirement.

  

5th & 6th Semester

Last offered 2024-2025 to students admitted Fall 2022 (or Winter 2023). Students admitted Fall 2023 and after see revised curriculum below.

REQUIRED GROUP 1: One of the following *:

  • PHL 600 Classic Readings in Analytic Philosophy
  • PHL 601 Classic Readings Continental Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVE: Five courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives.

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

* Students will complete both PHL 600 and PHL 601. One in 5th & 6th Semester, and the other in 7th & 8th Semester.

  

5th & 6th Semester

Revised curriculum begins 2025-2026 for students admitted Fall 2023 and after.

CORE ELECTIVE GROUP 1: One of the following :

  • PHL 210 Introduction to Indian Philosophy
  • PHL 535 Introduction to Indigenous Philosophy
  • PHL 547 Jewish Philosophy
  • PHL 570 Black Political Thought
  • PHL 622 Classical Arabic Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVE GROUP 2: One of the following :

CORE ELECTIVE GROUP 3: One of the following :

CORE ELECTIVE: Three courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives.

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

  

7th & 8th Semester

Last offered 2025-2026 to students admitted Fall 2022 (or Winter 2023). Students admitted Fall 2023 and after see revised curriculum below.

REQUIRED GROUP 1: One of the following:

  • PHL 600 Classic Readings in Analytic Philosophy
  • PHL 601 Classic Readings Continental Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVE: One of the following:

CORE ELECTIVE: Four courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

  

7th & 8th Semester

Revised curriculum begins 2026-2027 for students admitted Fall 2023 and after.

CORE ELECTIVE: Six courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

1st & 2nd Semester

REQUIRED:

REQUIRED GROUP 1: One course from the following:

  • PHL 101 Plato and the Roots of Western Philosophy
  • PHL 110 Philosophy of Religion I
  • PHL 187 Classical Philosophy
  • PHL 201 Problems in Philosophy
  • PHL 212 Introductory Logic
  • PHL 306 Freedom, Equality, Limits of Authority
  • PHL 333 Philosophy of Human Nature
  • PHL 365 Philosophy of Beauty
  • PHL 366 Existentialism and Art and Culture
  • PHL 406 Issues of Life, Death and Poverty

REQUIRED GROUP 2: Four courses from Table I.

OPEN ELECTIVES: Two Open Electives.

  

3rd & 4th Semester

3rd Semester

Begins Fall 2024 for students admitted Fall 2023 and after.

REQUIRED:

  • PHL 402 Ancient Greek Philosophy
  • SSH 301 Research Design and Qualitative Methods

CORE ELECTIVE: One course from the following:

  • PHL 404 Introduction to Ethics
  • PHL 405 Introduction to Political Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVES/OPEN ELECTIVE: One course from Table I* or one Open Elective

LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

*Students in the Co-op Program should take SSH104 (Table I) to fulfill this requirement.

4th Semester

Last offered Winter 2025 to students admitted Fall 2022 (or Winter 2023). Students admitted Fall 2023 and after see revised 4th Semester below.

REQUIRED:

  • PHL 503 Ancient and Modern Ethics

CORE ELECTIVE: Three courses from Table II.

LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

4th Semester

Begins Winter 2026 for students admitted Fall 2023 and after.

REQUIRED:

CORE ELECTIVE: Three courses from Table II.

LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

  

5th & 6th Semester

Last offered 2025-2026 to students admitted Fall 2022 (or Winter 2023). Students admitted Fall 2023 and after see revised curriculum below.

REQUIRED GROUP 1: One of the following *:

  • PHL 600 Classic Readings in Analytic Philosophy
  • PHL 601 Classic Readings Continental Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVE: Five courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives.

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

* Students will complete both PHL 600 and PHL 601. One in 5th & 6th Semester, and the other in 7th & 8th Semester.

  

5th & 6th Semester

Revised curriculum begins 2026-2027 for students admitted Fall 2023 and after.

CORE ELECTIVE GROUP 1: One of the following :

  • PHL 210 Introduction to Indian Philosophy
  • PHL 535 Introduction to Indigenous Philosophy
  • PHL 547 Jewish Philosophy
  • PHL 570 Black Political Thought
  • PHL 622 Classical Arabic Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVE GROUP 2: One of the following :

CORE ELECTIVE GROUP 3: One of the following :

CORE ELECTIVE: Three courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives.

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

  

7th & 8th Semester

Last offered 2026-2027 to students admitted Fall 2022 (or Winter 2023). Students admitted Fall 2023 and after see revised curriculum below.

REQUIRED GROUP 1: One of the following:

  • PHL 600 Classic Readings in Analytic Philosophy
  • PHL 601 Classic Readings Continental Philosophy

CORE ELECTIVE: One of the following:

CORE ELECTIVE: Four courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

  

7th & 8th Semester

Revised curriculum begins 2027-2028 for students admitted Fall 2023 and after.

CORE ELECTIVE: Six courses from Table II.

OPEN ELECTIVE: Two Open Electives

LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

The sequencing of academic and work terms is shown below:

  Fall  Winter Spring/Summer
Year 1  1st semester  2nd semester  --
Year 2  3rd semester  WKT 150  --
Year 3  WKT 250  4th semester WKT 350
Year 4 5th semester  6th semester  --
Year 5
 7th semester
 8th semester  

Students must successfully complete a minimum of three work terms in order to graduate from the co-op program.

In most cases the co-op program requires five years to complete the degree in Philosophy. Students will have the option to fast track if they choose to take electives during the Spring/Summer. The regular program can be completed in four years.

All co-op placements must be approved by the Career & Co-op Centre and the Faculty Advisor for the Philosophy co-op program.

A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).

Dwayne Ford
Admissions & Liaison Officer

Toronto Metropolitan University

Joseph Longo
Secondary School Teacher, Toronto  

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Analyst

Innovation and Policy Services Branch Canada
School of Public Service/Government of Canada