Frequently asked questions

3. What are the career outcomes after obtaining a Philosophy degree?

The study of philosophy helps develop critical and analytical skills necessary for many future academic and career paths such as:

  • Teaching
  • Government
  • Recruitment and Human Resources
  • Advertising, Marketing & Sales
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Comedy

4. How many first-year Philosophy courses can I take?

All courses numbered 1F90 through 1F96 are introductory PHIL courses. Though different in content and emphasis, PHIL 1F91, 1F93, 1F94, 1F95 and 1F96 are no more advanced than 1F90. A student will not be permitted to take more than one introductory Year 1 course.

5. How many credits do I need to do a Minor in Philosophy?

Students in other disciplines can obtain a Minor in Philosophy within their degree program by completing ONE of PHIL 1F90, 1F91, 1F93, 1F94; PLUS – three PHIL credits numbered 2 (alpha) 00 or above, with a minimum 60 percent overall average.

6. What is an honours tutorial and how many tutorials may I take in the Philosophy undergraduate program?

This is a directed and intensive study in an area in which a student has developed and displayed a particular interest. Tutorials are restricted to PHIL (single or combined) majors with a minimum 70 percent major average, a minimum of 10.0 overall credits and permission of the Chair. Registration into an Honours Tutorial requires consultation, in advance of registration, with a faculty member able to supervise the study. Please contact the Administrative Assistant to receive an override into PHIL 4P97 or PHIL 4P98. You may only take a maximum of two Honours Tutorials during your course of study in Philosophy.

7. Who are some famous people who studied Philosophy?

  • Pierre Trudeau (former Canadian Prime Minister)
  • Moses Znaimer (Owner of City-TV and Much-Music)
  • Matt Groening (cartoonist, writer, producer, animator, creator of the SIMPSONS)
  • Steve Allen (writer & comedian)
  • Woody Allen (director & comedian)
  • Max Baer Jr. (actor: Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies)
  • Bill Clinton (U.S. President)
  • Philip K. Dick (science fiction writer)
  • Paul Martin (former Canadian Prime Minister)
  • Beverly McLachlin (Canadian Chief Justice)
  • Kate Millett (author of Sexual Politics)
  • Iris Murdoch (novelist)
  • David Duchovny (actor on “X-Files”)
  • John Elway (quarterback, Denver Broncos)
  • Ricky Gervais (comedian)
  • Philip Glass (composer)
  • Don Harron (comedian)
  • Vaclav Havel (former President of Czeckoslovakia)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. (civil rights leader)
  • Bruce Lee (martial arts expert & actor)
  • Peter Lynch (director)
  • Robert Musil (Austrian novelist)
  • Neil Peart (drummer for Rush)
  • Pope John Paul II
  • Brad Roberts (singer-songwriter for “Crash Test Dummies”)
  • Patricia Rozema (film-maker, “I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing”)
  • Gene Siskel (movie reviewer)
  • Susan Sontag (essayist)
  • Dave Thomas (SCTV)
  • Alex Trebeck (Jeopardy)
  • Harrison Ford (actor)