The Department of Philosophy offers MA (with or without thesis) and PhD programs in Philosophy. The programs are offered in English and French. According to the University's policy, students may pursue their studies in the official language of their choice.
The Department participates in the collaborative programs in Women’s Studies (at the MA level), in Medieval and Renaissance Studies (at the MA level) and in Canadian Studies (at the PhD level). For more information on these programs, see “Admission Requirements.”
Because of its strength in relevant areas, its bilingual character and its location in the national capital, the University of Ottawa is uniquely positioned to offer a collaborative program leading to a specialization in Canadian Studies at the doctoral level. The program is especially designed for doctoral students in selected programs in the humanities and the social sciences who wish to enrich their training in a particular discipline by including an interdisciplinary component.
The programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.
Admission Requirements
Candidates are admitted to the PhD on the basis of an MA in Philosophy with a minimum "B+" average.
An application dossier must include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a description of the intended field of research, and a sample of written work. For candidates wishing to enter the PhD without an MA the application dossier must include a detailed statement of research plans.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in both French and English is strongly encouraged so that students may take advantage of the full range of activities — lectures, personal contacts, and courses — available in the Department (graduate courses are normally not duplicated in the two languages).
Collaborative Program
The Department of Philosophy is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level. This program has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in Philosophy by including an interdisciplinary component in Canadian Studies. The seminar (CDN 6520 or CDN 6910) fits into the departmental course requirements and does not add to the number of courses required for the PhD in Philosophy.
To be admitted to the program, students must be enrolled in, or have successfully completed, at least one graduate course in Philosophy with Canadian content. The mention "Specialization in Canadian Studies" will be added to the diploma of students who pass the seminar (CDN 6520 or CDN 6910) and successfully defend a thesis on a Canadian topic in Philosophy.
Transfer from Master's to PhD
In addition, for those enrolled in the MA in Philosophy, the Department offers an accelerated entrance to the PhD on the condition of having completed four courses with a minimum "A" average. The decision for acceptance into this accelerated program will be made by the Graduate Studies Committee on the basis of recommendations by at least two professors who have taught the candidate in the four courses, the agreement of a member of the department to supervise the candidate in the PhD program, and a dossier that meets the standard requirements of admission into the PhD. Application must normally be made within sixteen months of initial enrollment in the Master's, with the successful applicant enrolling in the PhD program by the 4th term at the latest. Following the transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met. The total number of course units required is 30 (12 at the master’s and 18 at the doctoral level). Students who take this option do not receive an MA degree. However, students who transfer but do not complete the PhD can receive an MA by fulfilling all the requirements of the MA program.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2022-2023 calendars for the previous requirements.
Doctorate with Collaborative Specialization
The PhD program consists of six (one-term) courses, a comprehensive exam, a thesis project, and a thesis, including defence.
Students enrolled in the collaborative program will be asked to meet both the requirements of their primary program and those of the collaborative program. The units completed for the specialization in Canadian Studies count also towards the primary degree in Philosophy. Additional units are not required.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses (PHI): | ||
| PHI 5911 | Integration Seminar | 3 Units |
| 12 elective course units in philosophy (PHI) at the graduate level | 12 Units | |
| Second Language Proficiency Requirement 1 | ||
| Compulsory Courses (CDN): | ||
| 3 course units from: | 3 Units | |
| Séminaire sur la francophonie canadienne 2 | ||
| Seminar in Canadian Studies | ||
| Comprehensive Examination: | ||
| PHI 8998 | Candidacy Examination (PhD) | |
| Thesis Project: | ||
| PHI 8999 | Preparation and Presentation of Ph.D. Thesis Project | |
| Thesis: | ||
| THD 9999 | Doctoral Thesis 3 | |
Note(s)
- 1
Doctoral candidates must also complete a proficiency requirement in the second official language. This requirement can be completed in one of three ways:
- Passing (50%) the FLS 1000 exam; OR
- Completing 6 units of FLS courses at your level (as determined by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute); OR
- Successfully completing a Philosophy graduate seminar given in French. (N.B. As per University regulations, students may write examinations and papers in the official language of their choice.)
Doctoral students must have sufficient mastery of languages to complete their research project; that is, they must be capable of studying texts in the original language and be able to check translations.
- 2
CDN 6520 is offered only in French.
- 3
Submission and successful defence of a thesis on a Canadian topic in the participating unit. The proposed topic must be approved by both the participating unit and the Canadian Studies Graduate Committee. At least one of the examiners of the thesis must be a person chosen in consultation with the executive committee of the Institute of Canadian and Aboriginal Studies.
Minimum Standards
The passing grade in all courses is C+. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 units), the thesis proposal, or whose research progress is deemed unsatisfactory are required to withdraw.
Duration of Program
The program is designed to be completed in four years. The maximum time permitted is six years, or seven years in the case of transfer students.
Thesis Advisory Committee
For information on the Thesis Advisory Committee, please consult the graduate studies secretariat of the Department of Philosophy.
Research at the University of Ottawa
Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities. Our research is founded on excellence, relevance and impact and is conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Our research community thrives in four strategic areas:
- Creating a sustainable environment
- Advancing just societies
- Shaping the digital world
- Enabling lifelong health and wellness
From advancing healthcare solutions to tackling global challenges like climate change, the University of Ottawa’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation, making significant contributions to society and beyond.
Research at the Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts is proud of the state of the art research conducted by its professors. In the spirit of showcasing its research to the university community as well as to the general public, the Faculty has created three activities: Dean's Lecture Series, Treasures of the Library, and Excellence Lectures.
Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Arts
- Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française
- Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies
- Institute for Science, Society and Policy
- Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)
- Morisset Library
For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb.
IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.
PHI 5319 Aesthetics and philosophy of art (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5320 History of analytic philosophy (3 units)
Study of an aspect or a specific set of texts in contemporary analytic philosophy (19th-20th centuries). This course has variable topics and may be taken several times if the themes are different.
Course Component: Lecture
PHI 5321 History of continental philosophy (3 units)
Study of an aspect or a specific set of texts in contemporary continental philosophy (19th-20th centuries). This course has variable topics and may be taken several times if the themes are different.
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5323 Asian and Comparative Philosophy (3 units)
Internal or comparative study of an aspect or a specific set of texts in Asian philosophy. This course has variable topics and may be taken several times if the themes are different.
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5324 Philosophy of mind and cognitive science (3 units)
Study of an aspect or a specific set of texts in philosophy of mind and cognitive science. This course has variable topics and may be taken several times if the themes are different.
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5325 Metaphilosophy (3 units)
Study of an aspect or a specific set of texts in metaphilosophy and/or methodology of philosophy. This course has variable topics and may be taken several times if the themes are different.
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5326 Metaethics (3 units)
Study of an aspect or a specific set of texts in metaethics. This course has variable topics and may be taken several times if the themes are different.
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5331 Ancient Philosophy (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5332 Medieval Philosophy (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5333 Modern Philosophy (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5341 Logic and Philosophy of Science (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5342 Epistemology (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5343 Metaphysics (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5344 Philosophical Anthropology (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5345 Ethics (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5346 Social and Political Philosophy (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5347 Philosophy of Religion (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5348 Philosophy of History (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 5719 Esthétique et philosophie de l’art (3 crédits)
Étude d’un enjeu ou d’un ensemble de textes d’esthétique et de philosophie de l’art. Ce cours à thèmes variables peut être suivi plusieurs fois pourvu que les thèmes diffèrent.
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5720 Histoire de la philosophie analytique (3 crédits)
Étude d’un enjeu ou d’un ensemble de textes de philosophie analytique contemporaine (19e-20e siècle). Ce cours à thèmes variables peut être suivi plusieurs fois pourvu que les thèmes diffèrent.
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5721 Histoire de la philosophie continentale (3 crédits)
Étude d’un enjeu ou d’un ensemble de textes de philosophie continentale contemporaine (19e-20e siècle). Ce cours à thèmes variables peut être suivi plusieurs fois pourvu que les thèmes diffèrent.
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5723 Philosophie asiatique et comparée (3 crédits)
Étude interne ou comparée d’un enjeu ou d’un ensemble de textes issu de la philosophie asiatique. Ce cours à thèmes variables peut être suivi plusieurs fois pourvu que les thèmes diffèrent.
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5724 Philosophie de l’esprit et des sciences cognitives (3 crédits)
Étude d’un enjeu ou d’un ensemble de textes de philosophie de l’esprit et de sciences cognitives. Ce cours à thèmes variables peut être suivi plusieurs fois pourvu que les thèmes diffèrent.
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5725 Métaphilosophie (3 crédits)
Étude d’un enjeu ou d’un ensemble de textes de métaphilosophie et/ou méthodologie de la philosophie. Ce cours à thèmes variables peut être suivi plusieurs fois pourvu que les thèmes diffèrent.
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5726 Métaéthique (3 crédits)
Étude d’un enjeu ou d’un ensemble de textes de métaéthique. Ce cours à thèmes variables peut être suivi plusieurs fois pourvu que les thèmes diffèrent.
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5731 Philosophie ancienne (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5732 Philosophie médiévale (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5733 Philosophie moderne (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5741 Logique et philosophie du langage (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5742 Épistémologie et philosophie des sciences (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5743 Métaphysique (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5744 Anthropologie philosophique (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5745 Philosophie morale (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5746 Philosophie sociale et politique (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5747 Philosophie de la religion (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5748 Philosophie de l'histoire (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 5911 Séminaire d'intégration / Integration Seminar (3 crédits / 3 units)
Préparation aux études supérieures en philosophie. Introduction aux outils et méthodes de recherche. Développement des compétences en recherche, en rédaction et en communication orale. Préparation de demandes de bourses et revue des exigences de programme. Professionnalisation et formation aux carrières académique et non académique. / Preparation for graduate studies in Philosophy. Introduction to research tools and methods, paper writing and oral communication. Preparation of grant applications and review of the program requirements. Training for academic and non-academic career. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
PHI 59111 Séminaire d'intégration (Partie 1 de 2) / Integration Seminar (Part 1 of 2)
Préparation aux études supérieures en philosophie. Introduction aux outils et méthodes de recherche. Développement des compétences en recherche, en rédaction et en communication orale. Préparation de demandes de bourses et revue des exigences de programme. Professionnalisation et formation aux carrières académique et non académique. (Partie 1 de 2) / Preparation for graduate studies in Philosophy. Introduction to research tools and methods, paper writing and oral communication. Preparation of grant applications and review of the program requirements. Training for academic and non-academic career. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). (Part 1 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
PHI 59112 Séminaire d'intégration (Partie 2 de 2) / Integration Seminar (Part 2 of 2) (3 crédits / 3 units)
Préparation aux études supérieures en philosophie. Introduction aux outils et méthodes de recherche. Développement des compétences en recherche, en rédaction et en communication orale. Préparation de demandes de bourses et revue des exigences de programme. Professionnalisation et formation aux carrières académique et non académique. (Partie 2 de 2) / Preparation for graduate studies in Philosophy. Introduction to research tools and methods, paper writing and oral communication. Preparation of grant applications and review of the program requirements. Training for academic and non-academic career. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). (Part 2 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
PHI 6102 Selected Problems II (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 6103 Selected Problems III (3 units)
Course Component: Seminar
PHI 6502 Thèmes et problèmes de philosophie II (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 6503 Thèmes et problèmes de philosophie III (3 crédits)
Volet : Séminaire
PHI 6904 Étude dirigée / Directed Study (3 crédits / 3 units)
Travail à préparer sous la direction d'un membre du corps professoral du département. Préalable : permission du comité des études supérieures. / Paper to be prepared under the direction of a professor in the department.
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
Prerequisite: Paper to be prepared under the direction of a professor in the department.
PHI 6995 Mémoire et recherche (MA) / Major Research Paper (MA)
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
PHI 6996 Mémoire et recherche (MA) / Major Research Paper (MA)
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
PHI 6997 Mémoire et recherche (MA) / Major Research Paper (MA)
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
PHI 6999 Élaboration et présentation du projet de thèse de maîtrise ès arts / Preparation and Presentation of the M.A. Thesis Project
Rédaction du projet de thèse de maîtrise en consultation avec le superviseur, évaluation par le comité de thèse et, dans le cas d’une approbation, présentation et défense du projet dans le cadre d’un séminaire. La note donnée sera S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Writing of the M.A. thesis project in consultation with the supervisor, evaluation by the thesis committee, and, in the case of approbation, presentation and defence of the project in a seminar. The course will be graded S (satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
PHI 8995 Mémoire de recherche (PhD) / Major Reserach Paper (PhD)
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
PHI 8998 Examen de candidature / Candidacy Examination (PhD)
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
PHI 8999 Élaboration et présentation du projet de thèse de doctorat / Preparation and Presentation of Ph.D. Thesis Project
Rédaction du projet de thèse de doctorat en consultation avec le superviseur, évaluation par le comité de thèse et, dans le cas d’une approbation, présentation et défense du projet dans le cadre d’un séminaire. La note donnée sera S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Writing of the Ph.D. thesis project in consultation with the supervisor, evaluation by the thesis committee, and, in the case of approbation, presentation and defence of the project in a seminar. The course will be graded S (satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
CDN 6520 Séminaire sur la francophonie canadienne (3 crédits)
Séminaire sur des thèmes se rapportant à la francophonie canadienne, particulièrement les francophones vivant en situation minoritaire.
Volet : Séminaire
CDN 6910 Séminaire en études canadiennes / Seminar in Canadian Studies (3 crédits / 3 units)
Séminaire interdisciplinaire bilingue sur des sujets se rapportant au Canada. Les thèmes seront choisis en consultation avec les unités participantes, en tenant compte du nombre d'étudiants, de l'orientation de leur recherches et celles des unités participantes. / Bilingual interdisciplinary seminar on issues related to the study of Canada. Tipics to be selected in consultation with participating units, taking into consideration the number of students, their research interests and those of the participating units.
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar