Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

What can I know? What should I do? What is a human being? Philosophy sharpens your mind by confronting you with timeless and fundamental questions.

Undergraduate students at UBCO.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Quick Find

Why study Philosophy at UBC Okanagan?

Philosophical inquiry is a rewarding activity. Those who master critical thinking and logic are primed for success. Indeed, philosophy majors consistently outperform other majors in standardized exams, e.g. LSAT or GRE.

Grappling with philosophical questions is also deeply human. All of us, from time to time, ask ourselves such questions. How should we live? Who deserves what? What’s the difference between knowledge and mere belief? Are AI systems conscious?

Dr. Madeleine Ransom, a philosopher from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, is the latest addition to UBC Okanagan’s growing cohort of Canada Research Chairs.

UBC Okanagan’s newest Research Chair

Dr. Madeleine Ransom, a philosopher from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, is the latest addition to UBC Okanagan’s growing cohort of Canada Research Chairs.

Dr. Madeleine Ransom, a philosopher from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, is the latest addition to UBC Okanagan’s growing cohort of Canada Research Chairs.

UBC Okanagan’s newest Research Chair

Dr. Madeleine Ransom, a philosopher from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, is the latest addition to UBC Okanagan’s growing cohort of Canada Research Chairs.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major or minor in philosophy.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Sample Courses

PHIL 111 – Introduction to Philosophy I
PHIL 120 – Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL 121 – Introduction to Philosophy II
PHIL 125 – Introduction to Scientific Reasoning

PHIL 210 – Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 220 – Symbolic Logic I
PHIL 230 – Ethics
PHIL 233 – Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 245 – Introduction to Metaphysics

PHIL 309 – Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 331 – Computer Ethics
PHIL 338 – Philosophy of Law
PHIL 345 – Theory of Knowledge
PHIL 373 – Feminist Philosophy

PHIL 404 – Aesthetics
PHIL 414 – Topics in the History of Modern Philosophy
PHIL 425 – Philosophy of Language
PHIL 427 – Philosophy of Mathematics
PHIL 434 – Business Ethics

Plan your academic journey by exploring the undergraduate academic planning guide designed for Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Broadcasting and journalism
  • Business
  • Communications and public relations
  • Consulting
  • Defence and security
  • Diplomacy
  • Government and public administration
  • Law
  • Politics
  • Research and development
  • Teaching

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

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Students have abundant research opportunities.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

In your coursework, you have abundant research opportunities, especially in upper-level courses. You have the option of two directed studies courses, where you will undertake a supervised investigation of an assigned topic, culminating in a major term paper.

You have the opportunity to participate in the annual Roger Watts Debates as part of a student team.

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences also holds an annual Undergraduate Research Conference on UBC’s Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 3% university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

International Prospective Students Student Life at UBCO

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.

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