KNOWLEDGE. JUSTICE. REASONING.

Welcome to the Department of Philosophy

Philosophy investigates fundamental questions about the nature of reality—about the universe as a whole, human beings, society, science, and morality. These questions underlie and unify the sciences and humanities. Philosophers explore deep theoretical, practical, and moral issues that do not easily fit into more specialized disciplines. Philosophy students learn about the basic intellectual foundations of our political, social, and legal systems, and of modern science and technology.  Philosophy will challenge you with its reflective and critical approach to important, often puzzling questions about truth, knowledge, justice, the universe, and everything in between.

News and Upcoming Events

ANA Best Paper Among Emerging Scholars Award

Nathan Fuehrer awarded Best Paper Among Emerging Scholars

ULeth MA student Nathan Fuehrer was awarded the Best Paper Among Emerging Scholars prize by the Argumentation Network of the Americas for his paper "Rules, can't live with them, can't live without them: On the need for a teleological principle to guide virtue in argumentation". Congratulations, Nathan! To learn more about Nathan's research, click 'Learn More' below.

ULeth Gold Medals

Joseph Dyck awarded Gold Medal

ULeth philosophy major Joseph Dyck has been awarded the Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Arts). Congratulations! Dyck earned a combined Bachelor of Science with a double major in philosophy and psychology. He has been vice-president and president of the Pre-Law Society, and an active member of the psychology and philosophy clubs. Dyck has served the Lethbridge Police as a crisis support worker, using his knowledge of psychology, sociology, and neuroscience to help those who've survived trauma. He has co-published in Canadian Journal of Mental Health, worked on SSHRC-/NSERC-funded studies, and won over 15 awards. He has been accepted to study law at the University of Alberta.

Philosophy, Politics and Law

New Philosophy, Politics and Law Program

The new Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL) major at ULeth gives students a broad foundation in philosophy, political science, and Indigenous knowledge systems, with a focus on justice, governance, and ethical decision-making. Students choose one of four customizable streams—Environment, Health, Business & Economics, or Social Justice—and gain practical experience through cohort-based learning and a final capstone project. The degree builds skills in critical thinking, communication, and policy analysis, preparing students for careers in government, law, advocacy, policy and beyond.

Stories

Faculty of Arts & Science (Arts) Gold Medal Winner Joseph Dyck

For Faculty of Arts & Science (Arts) Gold Medal Winner Joseph Dyck, returning to university as a mature student wasn’t just a career shift — it was a leap of hope.
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Shining Student Cameron Bluekens

Meet Cameron Bluekens, a dedicated Bachelor of Arts student majoring in philosophy at the University of Lethbridge. Through curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to explore new ideas, Cameron has navigated an evolving academic journey …
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Dr. David Balcarras joins ULethbridge with new perspectives on language and thought

Dr. David Balcarras recently joined the University of Lethbridge's Department of Philosophy, drawn by a shared commitment to liberal education and a curiosity about the nature of language and thought.
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