Department of Philosophy

Philosophy addresses some of the most fundamental and difficult questions there are, such as:

  • What is the nature of the human mind?
  • What makes knowledge trustworthy?
  • What are the standards of good reasoning?
  • What is a just society?
  • What is the best way to live?

Philosophy as an academic discipline attempts to answer these questions with a combination of creativity and analytical rigor.

The Department of Philosophy acknowledges that we are living and working on the traditional territory of ‎ the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

News

  1. June 24, 2020Interview with Dr. Gerry Callaghan, the Philosophy Department's CEL Coordinator
    Dr. Gerry Callaghan in front of his computer

    We chat with Professor Gerry Callaghan to find out more about his role as the department's Centre for Extended Learning Coordinator, and how the recent switch to fully remote and online learning at Waterloo has impacted his role.  

  2. June 19, 2020Professor Ann Garry to receive the Distinguished Woman Philosopher Award for 2020
    Dr. Ann Garry

    The Steering Committee of the Eastern Division of The Society for Women in Philosophy has announced that past Humphrey Chair of Feminist Philosophy at Waterloo, Professor Ann Garry, will be receiving the Distinguished Woman Philosopher Award this year.

  3. June 5, 2020Philosophy Professor, Brian Orend, on Finding Meaning
    Brian Orend

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