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Year Course ID Course
2025-2026 PHIL 109

Critical Thinking: Informal Logic

An introduction to critical thinking/writing and informal logic in practical settings. This course examines the value of rational thinking in the face of everyday challenges, e.g., problem solving, making informed decisions, and evaluating whether a statement is true. Students dissect examples of good and poor reasoning, analyze informal fallacies, detect hidden assumptions and irrelevant premises in arguments, determine where an argument's burden of proof lies, and practice transferring critical thinking skills to their writing skills. Socratic method and Socratic dialogue is employed as a tool to assist students with their inquiry-based learning.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 PHIL 111

History of Western Philosophy: Ancient & Medieval Period

A survey of the teachings of the great philosophers of the West, from the discovery of physics by the Pre-Socratics, to the culmination of medieval Scholasticism (i.e. in John of St. Thomas), with a special emphasis upon developments in the philosophy of religion.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre
2024-2025 PHIL 111

History of Western Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval Period

A survey of the teachings of the great philosophers of the West, from the discovery of physics by the Pre-Socratics, to the culmination of medieval Scholasticism (i.e. in John of St. Thomas), with a special emphasis upon developments in the philosophy of religion.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre
2024-2025 PHIL 203

Ancient Greek Wisdom

An examination of key contributions to Greek philosophy, especially the writings of Plato and Aristotle. In the process of dialoguing about these ideas, we shall also study the importance of ancient Greek philosophy in the history of thought as well as the original intent of the philosophers in question with attention to their historic context. We shall also assess the enduring relevance of ancient Greek philosophy to the modern age.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 PHIL 203

Ancient Greek Wisdom

An examination of key contributions to Greek philosophy, especially the writings of Plato and Aristotle. In the process of dialoguing about these ideas, we shall also study the importance of ancient Greek philosophy in the history of thought as well as the original intent of the philosophers in question with attention to their historic context. We shall also assess the enduring relevance of ancient Greek philosophy to the modern age.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 204

Asian Philosophy

A critical study of some of the most influential philosophies originating from South and East Asia, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Students will analyze selected writings of significant Asian philosophers from these philosophical traditions, including both primary texts and commentaries, with a particular focus on metaphysics, philosophical anthropology, and ethics for the purpose of exploring and evaluating these authors’ approaches to philosophical questions about reality, happiness, wisdom, the soul, morality, and the Divine. Understanding the historical importance of these Asian philosophies will help students to evaluate their ongoing contributions to the contemporary world.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 PHIL 204

Asian Philosophy

A critical study of some of the most influential philosophies originating from South and East Asia, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Students will analyze selected writings of significant Asian philosophers from these philosophical traditions, including both primary texts and commentaries, with a particular focus on metaphysics, philosophical anthropology, and ethics for the purpose of exploring and evaluating these authors’ approaches to philosophical questions about reality, happiness, wisdom, the soul, morality, and the Divine. Understanding the historical importance of these Asian philosophies will help students to evaluate their ongoing contributions to the contemporary world.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 PHIL 208

Philosophy of Society & Law

An introduction to the philosophy of society and law in Canada and around the world. In this exploration of the relation between society and the law, the first half of the course begins with an historic survey of the debates over the meaning of the law from antiquity to the present. The second half of the course reviews legal cases which have provoked, or are still provoking, debates over the meaning of law and society.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 208

Philosophy of Society and Law

An introduction to the philosophy of society and law in Canada and around the world. In this exploration of the relation between society and the law, the first half of the course begins with an historic survey of the debates over the meaning of the law from antiquity to the present. The second half of the course reviews legal cases which have provoked, or are still provoking, debates over the meaning of law and society.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 210

Contemporary Ethical Issues

Through readings and class-discussion, this course introduces students to the foundational moral frameworks of western civilization and requires them to bring these frameworks to bear on some of the most important ethical issues arising in contemporary society: consumerism, technoculture, environmental ethics, responsibility to distant peoples, genetic engineering and cloning, and the promise and peril of nanotechnology.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 PHIL 210

Contemporary Ethical Issues

Through readings and class-discussion, this course introduces students to the foundational moral frameworks of western civilization and requires them to bring these frameworks to bear on some of the most important ethical issues arising in contemporary society: consumerism, technoculture, environmental ethics, responsibility to distant peoples, genetic engineering and cloning, and the promise and peril of nanotechnology.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 PHIL 220

Philosophy of Sex & Gender

This course explores questions such as: What is feminism? What are the main schools of feminist thought? What is patriarchy? What is gender and does it differ from sex? Are there only two sexes? Are there only two genders? What is homosexuality? What are the different views on how same-sex attraction arises? Do feminism and Christianity have convergent trajectories? Is there a place in the church for those from the LGBTQ community? What are the cultural forces that format the thinking about these questions?

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2024-2025 PHIL 220

Philosophy of Sex and Gender

This course explores questions such as: What is feminism? What are the main schools of feminist thought? What is patriarchy? What is gender and does it differ from sex? Are there only two sexes? Are there only two genders? What is homosexuality? What are the different views on how same-sex attraction arises? Do feminism and Christianity have convergent trajectories? Is there a place in the church for those from the LGBTQ community? What are the cultural forces that format the thinking about these questions?

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2024-2025 PHIL 303

Medieval Philosophy

This course explores philosophical issues in the West from the second to the 14th century, in particular the impact of Greek philosophy on the development of Christian thought. There are three natural stages of this interaction: 1) Defensive philosophy (apologetics): responses to rational objections brought to bear against Christianity; 2) Methodology: reflection on the interaction between faith and reason, and, in particular, the nature of theology as a science; and 3) Constructive philosophy: struggles from within over a systematic metaphysics and ethics. A central theme of the course is the role of the doctrine of creation in the image of God.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem, hrs. of philosophy.
NB: May not be offered every year. Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 PHIL 303

Medieval Philosophy

This course explores philosophical issues in the West from the second to the 14th century, in particular the impact of Greek philosophy on the development of Christian thought. There are three natural stages of this interaction: 1) Defensive philosophy (apologetics): responses to rational objections brought to bear against Christianity; 2) Methodology: reflection on the interaction between faith and reason, and, in particular, the nature of theology as a science; and 3) Constructive philosophy: struggles from within over a systematic metaphysics and ethics. A central theme of the course is the role of the doctrine of creation in the image of God.

Course Credits: 3
NB: May not be offered every year. Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2024-2025 PHIL 304

Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas

This course studies key texts from Thomas Aquinas. The focus is on the Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas, but special attention is paid to his commentaries on Aristotle and on his Christian interpretation of ancient philosophy. The challenge that modern science and modern philosophy presents to Thomistic metaphysics is also discussed, with special attention paid to the highly influential critique made by Immanuel Kant.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 PHIL 304

Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas

This course studies key texts from Thomas Aquinas. The focus is on the Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas, but special attention is paid to his commentaries on Aristotle and on his Christian interpretation of ancient philosophy. The challenge that modern science and modern philosophy presents to Thomistic metaphysics is also discussed, with special attention paid to the highly influential critique made by Immanuel Kant.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 PHIL 305

Philosophy of the Human Person

This course addresses what it means to say that human beings are persons having freedom and subjectivity; examines the different powers of the human person, including the powers of understanding, willing, feeling, and loving; studies the difference between body and soul, as well as the unity of the two in humans; and explores the question of the immortality of the soul. Some classic texts from the tradition of Western philosophy are read.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2024-2025 PHIL 305

Philosopy of the Human Person

This course addresses what it means to say that human beings are persons having freedom and subjectivity; examines the different powers of the human person, including the powers of understanding, willing, feeling, and loving; studies the difference between body and soul, as well as the unity of the two in humans; and explores the question of the immortality of the soul. Some classic texts from the tradition of Western philosophy are read.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 PHIL 306

Philosophy of Culture, Media & Technology

A critical investigation of the philosophical questions and assumptions that underly the relationship among culture, media, and technology. Students will investigate the philosophical underpinning and the anthropological import of various views of culture, media, and technology, asking critical moral questions about their tendencies to change and shape our human way of being.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 306

Philosophy of Culture, Media, and Technology

A critical investigation of the philosophical questions and assumptions that underly the relationship among culture, media, and technology. Students will investigate the philosophical underpinning and the anthropological import of various views of culture, media, and technology, asking critical moral questions about their tendencies to change and shape our human way of being.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy, or instructor permission.
2024-2025 PHIL 310

Issues in Social Justice

An examination of ethical issues that pertain to social justice, addressing such topics as the distribution of wealth, the difference between equality and equity, the effects of globalization, and the morality of war.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or political studies or third year standing.
Cross-listed: POLS 310
2025-2026 PHIL 310

Issues in Social Justice

An examination of ethical issues that pertain to social justice, addressing such topics as the distribution of wealth, the difference between equality and equity, the effects of globalization, and the morality of war.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 313

British Empiricism

A study of empiricist philosophy in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Selected writings of Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume are analyzed and interpreted. As we discuss each author’s ideas, we will evaluate their positions on the limits of knowledge and experience, the intelligibility of revelatory truth, the existence of God, the divisibility of reality, the role of nature, and the ethics and politics of human life.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 313

British Empiricism

A study of empiricist philosophy in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Selected writings of Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume are analyzed and interpreted. As we discuss each author’s ideas, we will evaluate their positions on the limits of knowledge and experience, the intelligibility of revelatory truth, the existence of God, the divisibility of reality, the role of nature, and the ethics and politics of human life.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 314

Reason & the Enlightenment

A study of rationalist philosophy in the European Enlightenment period of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Selected writings of Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz are analysed and interpreted. As we discuss each author's ideas, we will evaluate their positions on: the limits of reason, the intelligibility of revelatory truth, the existence of God, the divisibility of reality, the role of nature, and the ethics and politics of human life. In the process of dialoguing about these ideas, we shall also study the historical importance of the Enlightenment in modernity as well as the original intent of the philosophers in question with attention to their historic context. We shall also assess the enduring relevance of the Enlightenment to the modern age.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2024-2025 PHIL 314

Reason and the Enlightenment

A study of rationalist philosophy in the European Enlightenment period of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Selected writings of Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz are analysed and interpreted. As we discuss each author's ideas, we will evaluate their positions on: the limits of reason, the intelligibility of revelatory truth, the existence of God, the divisibility of reality, the role of nature, and the ethics and politics of human life. In the process of dialoguing about these ideas, we shall also study the historical importance of the Enlightenment in modernity as well as the original intent of the philosophers in question with attention to their historic context. We shall also assess the enduring relevance of the Enlightenment to the modern age.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2024-2025 PHIL 315

Kant

A study of the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, focusing primarily on Kant's seminal work, Critique of Pure Reason.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 9 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 315

Kant

A study of the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, focusing primarily on Kant's seminal work, Critique of Pure Reason.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 320

Social & Political Philosophy

An examination of foundational ideas and problems in political life and thought. Both classical and contemporary texts are used. Concepts to be treated include the state, society, the citizen, democracy, liberty, equality, authority, obligation, and disobedience.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 320

Social and Political Philosophy

An examination of foundational ideas and problems in political life and thought. Both classical and contemporary texts are used. Concepts to be treated include the state, society, the citizen, democracy, liberty, equality, authority, obligation, and disobedience.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or political studies or third year standing.
Cross-listed: POLS 320
2024-2025 PHIL 331

Environmental Philosophy

Explores the theological and philosophical dimensions of the doctrine of creation and from there highlights the various philosophical shifts of outlook that helped usher in modern naturalism and its notions of nature. We will investigate the metaphysics behind the fact/value dichotomy, various environmental ethical frameworks, the case for the moral status of non-human animals and abiotic entities, the evolution of the ecological crisis, the conceptual substructures of some popular contemporary environmental frameworks, and some of the agendas of response to our current ecological crisis.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 2nd year status or instructor's permission
NB: PHIL/GENV 221 and PHIL/GENV 331 may not both be taken for credit.
Cross-listed: GENV 331
2025-2026 PHIL 331

Environmental Philosophy

Explores the theological and philosophical dimensions of the doctrine of creation and from there highlights the various philosophical shifts of outlook that helped usher in modern naturalism and its notions of nature. We will investigate the metaphysics behind the fact/value dichotomy, various environmental ethical frameworks, the case for the moral status of non-human animals and abiotic entities, the evolution of the ecological crisis, the conceptual substructures of some popular contemporary environmental frameworks, and some of the agendas of response to our current ecological crisis.

Course Credits: 3
NB: PHIL/GENV 221 and PHIL/GENV 331 may not both be taken for credit.
2025-2026 PHIL 333

Philosophy & Literature

This course surveys major ancient, medieval, modern, and postmodern approaches that attempt a theory of literature. The course places modern and postmodern theories in historical perspective by reading key ancient and medieval authors. In particular, resources from the Latin Scholastic tradition most relevant to contemporary debates about literary theory are highlighted.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year.
2024-2025 PHIL 333

Philosophy and Literature

This course surveys major ancient, medieval, modern, and postmodern approaches that attempt a theory of literature. The course places modern and postmodern theories in historical perspective by reading key ancient and medieval authors. In particular, resources from the Latin Scholastic tradition most relevant to contemporary debates about literary theory are highlighted.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Not offered every year.
2024-2025 PHIL 340

Moral Philosophy

The problem of determining standards of right and wrong as well as the problem of determining what is of value in itself. The moral theories of prominent philosophers, both ancient and modern, are examined.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy (PHIL 106 or 210 are recommended)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 340

Moral Philosophy

The problem of determining standards of right and wrong as well as the problem of determining what is of value in itself. The moral theories of prominent philosophers, both ancient and modern, are examined.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2024-2025 PHIL 350

Symbolic Logic

A study of the propositional calculus, quantification theory, the theory of definite descriptions, and other topics in modern symbolic logic..

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): PHIL 103 or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 350

Symbolic Logic

A study of the propositional calculus, quantification theory, the theory of definite descriptions, and other topics in modern symbolic logic..

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 366

Philosophy of Biotechnology & Ethics

Students will apply philosophical perspectives to questions regarding the challenges presented by the use of biotechnology on humans, plants, and animals. Does philosophy offer ways to assess the goals of biotechnology? Is philosophy able to judge what is unethical? How does the philosophical ideal of wisdom bear upon biotechnology? How can philosophy help to articulate the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in general? How can philosophy help to situate biotechnology as part of our ability to live a good life within society?

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 366

Philosophy of Biotechnology and Ethics

Students will apply philosophical perspectives to questions regarding the challenges presented by the use of biotechnology on humans, plants, and animals. Does philosophy offer ways to assess the goals of biotechnology? Is philosophy able to judge what is unethical? How does the philosophical ideal of wisdom bear upon biotechnology? How can philosophy help to articulate the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in general? How can philosophy help to situate biotechnology as part of our ability to live a good life within society?

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing.
2024-2025 PHIL 370

Aesthetics

This course doesn't merely explore different questions about the nature, value, and meaning of beauty, artworks, and aesthetic experience; its primary goal is to assist students in developing lifestyles that embody the values, pleasures, and risks of moving through the God's creation with deep aesthetic attention coupled to an expansive imagination.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third or fourth year standing or 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
Cross-listed: SAMC 370.
2025-2026 PHIL 370

Aesthetics

This course doesn't merely explore different questions about the nature, value, and meaning of beauty, artworks, and aesthetic experience; its primary goal is to assist students in developing lifestyles that embody the values, pleasures, and risks of moving through the God's creation with deep aesthetic attention coupled to an expansive imagination.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2024-2025 PHIL 380

Philosophy of Science

An examination of some of the central philosophical issues raised by science. Topics include scientific method, explanations and laws in science, scientific progress, confirmation, and the structure of scientific theories.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third or fourth year standing or PHIL 103 or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 380

Philosophy of Science

An examination of some of the central philosophical issues raised by science. Topics include scientific method, explanations and laws in science, scientific progress, confirmation, and the structure of scientific theories.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2024-2025 PHIL 382

Cognitive Science of Religion

An historical and thematic overview of the cognitive science of religion, introducing students to major figures, themes, methods, models, and results from the discipline. A major emphasis is understanding cognitive processes important for sustaining belief in supernatural agents, afterlife beliefs, prayer, and rituals. Students will also investigate the philosophical implications of the scientific data, connecting the cognitive science of religion to issues such as the rationality of religious belief and the lived experience of religious believers.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of PHIL or PSYC.
Cross-listed: PSYC 382
2025-2026 PHIL 382

Cognitive Science of Religion

An historical and thematic overview of the cognitive science of religion, introducing students to major figures, themes, methods, models, and results from the discipline. A major emphasis is understanding cognitive processes important for sustaining belief in supernatural agents, afterlife beliefs, prayer, and rituals. Students will also investigate the philosophical implications of the scientific data, connecting the cognitive science of religion to issues such as the rationality of religious belief and the lived experience of religious believers.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 PHIL 383

Reason & Belief in God

A survey of central issues arising from the question, Is belief in God rational? Topics include arguments concerning the existence of God, religious pluralism, natural science and religious belief, religious language, and critiques of natural theology from Kierkegaard and Reformed Epistemology.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 PHIL 383

Reason and Belief in God

A survey of central issues arising from the question, Is belief in God rational? Topics include arguments concerning the existence of God, religious pluralism, natural science and religious belief, religious language, and critiques of natural theology from Kierkegaard and Reformed Epistemology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or third year standing.
Cross-listed: RELS 383.
2025-2026 PHIL 384

Suffering & Belief in God

An examination of key issues pertaining to suffering and belief in God. Topics include the problem of evil, arguments from suffering, original sin, everlasting suffering, and providence.

Course Credits: 3