Philosophy
Location: 6135 University Avenue, Room 1142
Halifax, NS B3H 4P9
Telephone: (902) 494-3810
Fax: (902) 494-3518
Email dalphil@dal.ca
Website:
http://www.philosophy.dal.ca
Note: This faculty list is accurate as of October 2009. For current listings, please check Department website.
Acting Dean
Gantar, J. BA, MA (Ljubljana), PhD (Toronto)
Chair of Department
Vinci, T.
Undergraduate Advisor
Vinci, T.
Honours Advisor
MacIntosh, D.
Professors Emeriti
Braybrooke, D., BA (Harvard), MA, PhD (Cornell), FRSC
Campbell, R.M., BA (Harvard), PhD (Cornell) (Munro Chair in Philosophy)
Sherwin, S.B., BA (York), PhD (Stanford), FRSC (University Research Chair)
Professors
Baylis, F., BA (McGill), MA, PhD (Western), FRSC (Cross-appointed with the Faculty of Medicine), (Canada Research Chair in Bioethics and Philosophy)
Campbell, S., BA, MA (Alta), PhD (Toronto)
Glazebrook, P., BA (Alta), MA, PhD (Toronto)
Hymers, M., BSc, MA (Dal), PhD (Alberta)
MacIntosh, D., BA (Queen's), MA (Waterloo), PhD (Toronto)
Schotch, P.K., PhD (Waterloo), Munro Professor of Metaphysics
Vinci, T., BA (Toronto), MA, PhD (Pittsburgh)
Assistant Professors
Abramson, D., BA (Toronto), MSc, PhD (Indiana)
Borgerson, K., BA (Saskatchewan), MA (Toronto), PhD (Toronto)
Gürsözlü, F., MA, PhD (Binghamton)
Meynell, L., BA Hons (York), MA (Calgary), PhD (Western)
Scherkoske, G., BA (Clark), MA (Simon Fraser), PhD (Cambridge)
Tomsons, K., BA Hons (Acadia), MA (Queen's), PhD (Dalhousie)
Adjunct Professors
Baressi, J., BS, (Brown), MA (Southern California), MS, PhD (Wisconsin)
Brett, N.C., BA (N.H.), MA, PhD (Waterloo)
Burns, S.A.M., BA (Acadia), MA (Alta), PhD (London)
Kernohan, A., SB (MIT), MSc (Toronto), MA (Dal), PhD (Toronto)
Maitzen, S.A., BA (NW), MA, PhD (Cornell)
Nieman, M., B.J. (Carleton), MA (Toronto), PhD (Queen's)
Schellenberg, J., BA, MA (Calgary), DPhil (Oxford)
Watkins, M., PhD (Ohio State)
Wein, S., PhD (Waterloo)
I. Beginning in Philosophy
There are many different ways of beginning in philosophy. The Dalhousie Philosophy Department offers three sorts of classes for beginners: (1) general survey introductions, which will give you a taste of a variety of questions and answers; (2) introductions to special areas; (3) logic, which is the study of the theory and techniques of good reasoning. Students wishing to major in philosophy are encouraged to begin with Introduction to Philosophy (either
PHIL 1000.06, or
PHIL 1010.06) in which a wide range of philosophical issues are discussed. But any student in any year may begin philosophy with a class that has no prerequisites. These include the 1000-level classes and many of the classes at the 2000-level. Although any of the 2000 level non-prerequisite classes provide the student with a good introduction to philosophical thinking, by far the best introduction is provided by the full year introduction (
PHIL 1000 or
1010). Some
2000-level classes have prerequisites which can be met either by a philosophy class or a class in another relevant discipline. The King's College Foundation Year satisfies the requirement of a previous philosophy class. Classes at the 3000-level and beyond usually have further requirements. See the class descriptions below.
II. Degree Programs
All students planning to take a degree in philosophy are encouraged to talk to an undergraduate advisor; those planning to do an honours degree must consult with the honours advisor. Students who intend to specialize in philosophy should take an honours degree, the normal preparation for graduate study in philosophy.
In addition to the departmental requirements listed below, students must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Degree Requirements section page 70 of this calendar.
Note: In the statement of program requirements and prerequisites, "credit" means one full credit (six credit-hours).
A. BA with Honours in Philosophy
See BA Concentrated Honours under Degree Requirements.
Students interested in Honours Programs are encouraged to apply by the middle of their third year. Please contact Honours Advisor. The Honours application form is available online at http://www.registrar.dal.ca/forms.
Departmental Requirements
At least 10 credits in Philosophy of which at least 9 and no more than 11 are beyond the 1000 level
Select at least one credit from the following:
Philosophy (logic) half credit: 2130.03, 2660.03, 3160.03, 3140.03, 3165.03, 3900.03
Select at least one credit from the following:
Philosophy (history) half credit: 2350.03, 2370.03, 2610.03, 2620.03, 3110.03, 3630.03, 3635.03, 3640.03, 3650.03
| | | |
| • | At least four credits at or above the 3000 level including a half- credit in epistemology (3051.03) and a half credit in ethics (3105.03) and at least one credit at the 4000 level |
| • | Honours Thesis |
Honours Philosophy with Emphasis on Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science is the study of intelligence and cognition in human beings and machines (computers). The goal is to come to a fuller understanding of human learning and intelligence and to develop devices that extend human abilities. Students may choose to do an Honours BA with an emphasis on cognitive science. The requirements for this degree are the same as above, except that three philosophy credits and two non-philosophy credits must be in cognitive science related classes. Those who complete the requirements will have the words "With Emphasis on Cognitive Science" on their transcript upon graduation. Contact the Philosophy Department for details.
B. BA with Combined Honours
See BA Combined Honours under Degree requirements.
Departmental Requirements
At least 4 and no more than 9 credits in Philosophy beyond the 1000 level, including 2 credits beyond the 2000 level. Since the requirements for the combined honours degree vary (depending on the program with which philosophy is combined) students must see an honours advisor. An honours thesis (or qualifying exam) in one of the two combined subjects is required.
Select at least one half credit from the following:
Philosophy (logic) half credit 2130.03, 2660.03, 3160.03, 3140.03, 3165.03, 3900.03
Select at least one half credit from the following:
Philosophy (history) half credit: 2350.03, 2370.03, 2610.03, 2620.03, 3110.03, 3115.03, 3630.03, 3635.03, 3640.03, 3650.03
At least two credits at or above the 3000 level including a half credit in epistemology (3051.03) and a half credit in ethics (3105.03)
C. 20-credit BA with Major in Philosophy
See BA Major (20-credit) under Degree Requirements.
Departmental Requirements
At least 6 and no more than 9 credits in Philosophy beyond the 1000 level, including 3 credits beyond the 2000 level
Select at least one half credit from the following:
Philosophy (logic) half credit: 2130.03, 2660.03, 3060.03, 3140.03, 3165.03, 3900.03
Select at least one credit from the following:
Philosophy (history) half credit: 2350.03, 2370.03, 2610.03, 2620.03, 3110.03, 3115.03, 3630.03, 3635.03, 3640.03, 3650.03
At least three credits at or above the 3000 level including a half credit in epistemology (3051.03) and a half credit in ethics (3105.03 or 3100.06)
D. 20-credit BA with Double Major
See BA Double Major (20-credit) under Degree requirements.
Departmental Requirements
At least 4 and no more than 9 credits in Philosophy beyond the 1000 level, including 2 credits beyond the 2000 level
Select at least one half credit from the following:
Philosophy (logic) half credit 2130.03, 2660.03, 3060.03, 3140.03, 3165.03, 3900.03
Select at least one credit from the following:
Philosophy (history) half credit: 2350.03, 2370.03, 2610.03, 2620.03, 3110.03, 3115.03, 3630.03, 3635.03, 3640.03, 3650.03
At least two credits at or above the 3000 level including at least a half credit in epistemology (3051.03) or a half credit in ethics (3105.03)
E. 15-credit BA with Concentration in Philosophy
See BA (15-credit) under Degree Requirements.
Departmental Requirements
At least 4 and no more than 8 credits in Philosophy beyond the 1000 level, including 2 credits beyond the 2000 level
Select at least one half credit from the following:
Philosophy (logic) half credit 2130.03, 2660.03, 3060.03, 3140.03, 3165.03, 3900.03
Select at least one half credit from the following:
Philosophy (history) half credit: 2350.03, 2370.03, 2610.03, 2620.03, 3110.03, 3115.03, 3630.03, 3635.03, 3640.03, 3650.03
At least two credits at or above the 3000 level including at least a half credit in epistemology (3051.03) or a half credit in ethics (3105.03)
F. Bachelor of Computer Science (BCSc) with Minor in Philosophy
Dalhousie University has approved a set of Minors for the Bachelor of Computer Science (with or without Honours or Co-op).
Departmental Requirements
At least 4 full credits at or above the 2000 level in Philosophy
Select at least one-half credit from the following:
One of
PHIL 2130.03,
2660.03,
3140.03,
3165.03, or
3900.03
Select at least one-half credit from the following:
One of
PHIL 2350.03,
2370.03,
2610.03,
2620.03,
3110.03,
3630.03,
3635 or
3640.03
At least two full credits at or above the third year level, including at least a half credit in epistemology (3051.03) or a half credit in ethics (3105.03)
III. Class Descriptions
NOTE: Many classes are listed as being exclusionary to one another. This means that students may not take both classes so designated.
PHIL 1000X/Y.06: Introduction to Philosophy.
PHIL 1010X/Y.06: Introduction to Philosophy.
PHIL 1050.03: Ethics in Science.
PHIL 1080.03: Reasoning Skills.
PHIL 1090.03: How to Win an Argument.
PHIL 2020.03: Legal Thinking.
PHIL 2070X/Y.06: Foundations of Political Thought II: Rights, Rationality, and Democracy.
PHIL 2081.03: Ethics in the World of Business.
PHIL 2130.03: Logic: Deduction.
PHIL 2160.03: Philosophical Issues of Feminism.
PHIL 2170.03: Philosophy of Sex and Love.
PHIL 2205.03: Philosophy of Religion.
PHIL 2210.03: Crisis and Consent: Foundations of Political Thought: 1651-1778.
PHIL 2220.03: Revolution and Rationality: Foundations of Political Thought: 1789-1900.
PHIL 2260.03: Philosophy of Art.
PHIL 2350.03: History of Philosophy: Ancient.
PHIL 2361.03: Classical and Early Christian Philosophy.
PHIL 2380X/Y.06: Medieval Philosophy.
PHIL 2381.03: Medieval Philosophy from Augustine to Anslem.
PHIL 2382.03: : Medieval Philosophy from Arabic and Jewish thinkers to Aquinas.
PHIL 2450.03: Democracy, Difference and Citizenship: A Survery of Political Philosophy.
PHIL 2475.03: Justice in Global Perspective.
PHIL 2480.03: Environmental Ethics.
PHIL 2485.03: Technology and the Environment.
PHIL 2490.03: Social, Ethical and Professional Issues in Computer Science.
PHIL 2560.03: Minds and Machines: Introduction to Cognitive Science.
PHIL 2610.03: History of Philosophy: The Rationalists.
PHIL 2620.03: History of Philosophy: The Empiricists.
PHIL 2660.03: Logic: Understanding Scientific Reasoning.
PHIL 2705.03: Philosophy in Literature.
PHIL 2710.03: Existentialism.
PHIL 2720.03: Ethics and the Good Life.
PHIL 2805.03: Ethics & Health Care: Patient Care.
PHIL 2810.03: Ethics & Health Care: Social Policy.
PHIL 3051.03: Theory of Knowledge.
PHIL 3110.03: History of Ethics: Plato to Epicurus.
PHIL 3115.03: History of Ethics: Kant's Moral Theory.
PHIL 3140.03: Logic: Logical Theory I.
PHIL 3170.03: Contemporary Feminist Theories.
PHIL 3211.03: Philosophy of Law.
PHIL 3300.03: Philosophy of Language.
PHIL 3420.03: Philosophy of Biology.
PHIL 3445.03: Philosophy of Mind: The Mind-Body Problem.
PHIL 3450.03: Philosophy of Emotions.
PHIL 3455.03: Philosophy of Mind: Personal Identity.
PHIL 3470.03: Human Rights: Philosophical Issues.
PHIL 3475.03: Democratic Theory.
PHIL 3476.03: Liberalism and Global Justice.
PHIL 3530.03: Freedom, Action, and Responsibility.
PHIL 3630.03: History of Philosophy: Kant.
PHIL 3635.03: History of Philosophy: 19th-Century Philosophy.
PHIL 3640.03: History of Philosophy: Twentieth-Century Philosophy.
PHIL 3650.03: Modern Philosophy.
PHIL 3660.03: Post-Modern Philosophy.
PHIL 3670.03: Philosophy of Science.
NOTE:
Classes at the 4000 level are intended for advanced undergraduates with a strong background in philosophy. It is assumed that normally a student will have already taken relevant classes at the 3000-level. Classes with titles beginning "Topics in..." have no description, since the selection of topics and instructor is determined after the time of calendar preparation. These are seminar classes. Interested students should consult the department for up-to-date information.
NOTE: Not all classes are offered every year. Please consult the current timetable to determine if these classes are offered.
Detailed descriptions are available from the department website at philosophy.dal.ca and from the departmental office.
PHIL 4055.03: Topics in Epistemology.
PHIL 4070.03: Topics in Philosophy of Psychology.
PHIL 4080.03: Topics in Logical Theory.
PHIL 4115.03: Topics in Ethics I.
PHIL 4120.03: Theory of Rational Decision.
PHIL 4125.03: Topics in Ethics II.
PHIL 4190.03: Topics in the History of Philosophy I.
PHIL 4191.03: Topics in the History of Philosophy II.
PHIL 4192.03: Topics in the History of Philosophy III.
PHIL 4200.03: Topics in Normative Theory.
PHIL 4215.03: Topics in the Philosophy of Law.
PHIL 4220.03: Contemporary Philosophical Issues.
PHIL 4470.03: Contemporary Liberalism and Democracy.
PHIL 4480.03: Social Choice Theory.
PHIL 4500.03: Topics in Feminist Philosophy.
PHIL 4510.03: Topics in the Philosophy of Language.
PHIL 4680.03: Topics in the Philosophy of Science.
PHIL 4801.03: Topics in Ethics and Health Care.
PHIL 4855.03: Topics in Metaphysics.
