The information on this site is theÌý³Ü±è³¦´Ç³¾¾±²Ô²µÌý2026-2027 University Calendar. This calendar will take effect in September 2026.
The current 2025-2026 University Calendar is available atÌý/university-calendar/Ìý
15.20 Philosophy
15.20.1 Department of Philosophy Description
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as knowledge, truth, beauty, law, justice, mind, language, and the right and the good, using a critical, generally systematic approach relying on reasoned argument. Philosophy is one of the most influential of all areas of study, providing the frameworks in which one thinks and acts. Allowing one to make sense of oneself and one's surroundings, Philosophy teaches not what to think but how to think. The study of Philosophy develops intellectual abilities. Beyond the knowledge and skills required for any particular profession, a good philosophical education enhances the capacity to participate responsibly and intelligently in public life.
The following undergraduate programs in Philosophy are available:
Normally, 6 credit hours in Philosophy courses at the 1000 or 2000-level or a combination thereof, or permission from the Department, are prerequisites for Philosophy courses at the 3000-level and above. Normally, 6 credit hours in Philosophy courses at the 3000-level, or permission from the Department, are prerequisites for Philosophy courses at the 4000-level.
Philosophy course descriptions are found at the end of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences section under Course Descriptions, Philosophy and are designated by PHIL.
15.20.2 Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts requires the successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. A student must meet the requirements for a departmental Major, Minor, or Honours program and also meet the Program Regulations “ General and Honours Degrees for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. A student is therefore advised to consult with the Admission to the Bachelor of Arts General Degree Programs regulations, the Program Regulations - General and Honours Degrees which also includes the Bachelor of Arts General Degree Components, The Major Program, and The Minor Program regulations. Information regarding honours programs is available at Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree Regulations as well as under each department™s regulations.
A student is strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor to discuss available programs and requirements in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences including the Core Requirements, The Major Program, The Minor Program, and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree Regulations. A student is advised to declare a program of study, including a Major and a Minor, before completing the first 45 credit hours of study. Information about declaring a Major and Minor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is available at . Information regarding advisors for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is available at www.mun.ca/hss/about/contact/liaisons.php.
15.20.3 Major in Philosophy
In addition to meeting the requirements listed under Program Regulations - General and Honours Degrees, to complete a B.A. with a Major in Philosophy, students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours in Philosophy courses as follows:
15.20.4 Minor in Philosophy
In addition to meeting the requirements listed under Program Regulations - General and Honours Degrees, to complete a B.A. with a Minor in Philosophy, students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in Philosophy courses as follows:
15.20.5 Joint Major in Philosophy
As an alternative to a minor, a student may choose to complete a major in Philosophy and a major in another eligible program in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Joint Major Program requires 3 fewer credit hours in each participating major as prescribed in each program™s Calendar entry. For the joint major in Philosophy, 3 fewer credit hours shall be required to fulfill clause 7 of the Major in Philosophy above.
15.20.6 Honours in Philosophy
An Honours degree provides students with a more in-depth education in the discipline of Philosophy and additional research and writing skills. An Honours degree may be required for admission to a graduate program and is useful preparation for law and other professional fields. Students considering the Honours program are encouraged to apply before their fourth semester. Admission to the program is in accordance withÌýUniversity Regulations (Undergraduate) and the Regulations for the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Arts.
In addition to meeting the general requirements for the degree, to complete a B.A. with Honours in Philosophy, students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours in Philosophy courses as follows:
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3 credit hours in Philosophy 2040 or 2050 (or the former 3400);
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24 credit hours in Philosophy at the 3000-level, including 3010 or 3020; 3230 or 3231; 3410; 3420;
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12 credit hours in Philosophy at the 4000-level, including Philosophy 4998 or 4999; and,
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6 additional credit hours at any level. Normally these will include 3 credit hours at the 1000-level.
15.20.7 Joint Honours in Philosophy
An Honours degree provides students with a more in-depth education in the discipline of Philosophy and additional research and writing skills. An Honours degree may be required for admission to a graduate program and is useful preparation for law and other professional fields. Students considering the Honours program are encouraged to apply before their fourth semester. Admission to the program is in accordance withÌýUniversity Regulations (Undergraduate) and the Regulations for the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Arts. A student™s program for Joint Honours must be approved by each Head of Department involved, and conform to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences General Regulations for Joint Honours degrees.
In addition to meeting the general requirements for the degree, to complete a B.A. (Joint Honours) in Philosophy, students must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours in Philosophy courses as follows:
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3 credit hours in Philosophy 2030;
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3 credit hours in Philosophy 2040 or 2050 (or the former 3400);
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Philosophy 3010 or 3020; 3230 or 3231; 3410; 3420; and 9 additional credit hours at the 3000-level; and
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Philosophy 4998 or 4999; and 6 additional credit hours in Philosophy at the 4000- level.
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If a student opts to take the comprehensive exam or honours thesis in the other discipline, the student will take a minimum of 42 credit hours in Philosophy courses.
15.20.8 Regulations for the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA)
In addition to completing the normal requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and one of an Honours, Major or Minor in Philosophy, students may elect to complete requirements for the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA). As part of the minimum 120 credit hours, a student may use eligible credit hours in Philosophy to jointly satisfy other requirements of the iBA degree. When selecting courses, a student is encouraged to consult with an academic advisor early in the program and to consider Possible Course Sequencing for the First 45 credit hours of the Bachelor of Arts.
15.20.9 Previous Calendar Regulations
In accordance with University Regulations (Undergraduate), Year of Degree and Departmental Regulations - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Faculty of Science, students for a Philosophy Honours, Major, or Minor who had successfully completed a 2000-level course or above in Philosophy prior to September 2018 will normally follow the departmental regulations in effect at that time, although subsequent regulations are available for all students.
15.20.10 Diploma in Humanities
(This diploma is not currently accepting students.)
The Department of Philosophy administers the Diploma in Humanities. Credit hours in Philosophy and Medieval and Early Modern Studies may be eligible to jointly fulfill requirements of a degree and a diploma. For further information about this program, see Diploma Programs Offered in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, or contact the Program Director.
The information on this site is theÌý³Ü±è³¦´Ç³¾¾±²Ô²µÌý2026-2027 University Calendar. This calendar will take effect in September 2026.
The current 2025-2026 University Calendar is available atÌý/university-calendar/Ìý
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