Philosophy is the study of knowledge, reason, existence, and value. Philosophers carefully consider the nature of the universe, humanity's place in it, the proper conduct of individual and social life, and what we can know.
Studying philosophy involves learning about its methods and history as well as its sub-disciplines — metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics to name but a few. We also offer courses in a variety of important and cutting edge topics including: philosophy of science, philosophy of law, philosophy of rock music, philosophy of sex and love, and so on. TRU's philosophy faculty teach about all of these and more, and include specialists in continental philosophy, epistemology and the philosophy of mind, ethics and the philosophy of humour, and environmental ethics.
Fees based on (15 credits/5 courses)
Enrollment Cycles
January 2024
May 2024
September 2024
Entry Requirements
Open admission
Grade 12 (or equivalent) or mature student status
English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent)
Admission to each major program may have specific requirements.
Recommended: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or higher is strongly recommended for students pursuing Education or a major in Geography and Environmental Studies, Sociology or Psychology
Students usually declare a major before the beginning of their third year of courses, but they must meet specific lower-level requirements to be admitted. All candidates are assigned a Major Program Advisor. Students are expected to meet with their advisor to ensure that they qualify and that appropriate courses are selected.
If you don’t meet the requirements
High school graduates can apply and be admitted to this program while upgrading at TRU.
Mature students without a high school diploma (or equivalent) can work towards completing their BC High School Graduation Diploma while in this program through TRU courses.
Students who do not qualify for mature student status can apply for the TRU University Preparation program to complete their BC High School Graduation Diploma.
FALL 2021
Introduction to Philosophy: Great Thinkers: Ancient to Enlightenment
Introduction to Philosophy: Problems and Themes
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Introduction to Ethics
Substance, Change, and Identity
Technology and the Environment
Understanding Scientific Reasoning
Topics in 19th Century Philosophy
Biomedical Ethics
Selected Topics in Philosophy: Philosophy and Humour
WINTER 2022
Introduction to Philosophy: Great Thinkers: Enlightenment to Modern