Study Philosophy
The word 'philosophy' literally means love of wisdom. Philosophy investigates the basic claims science makes about the world as well as the principles that govern human life and morality. Topics of philosophical interest are wide-ranging — questions such as:
- is it possible to travel into the past?
- is euthanasia morally justified?
- how does the brain give rise to consciousness?
- how much of what we think we know, do we really know?
- what it is to think and act rationally?
These questions are all perennial interests to philosophy, while none of these questions has been definitively answered.
Undergraduate and postgraduate study
Philosophy is a worthwhile component of any bachelor degree. Study on campus in Armidale or fully online in your own home, or abroad.
Majors in philosophy: We offer an undergraduate major in philosophy in the Bachelor of Arts, as well as an Honours program, and degrees at Masters and PhD level.
From the courses listed below, link to the Course and Unit Catalogue, go to Course Rules and Plans, then scroll down to Program of Study.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science See the list of Philosophy units in the Course and Unit Catalogue. Study Philosophy as a Major in one of our Arts Degrees To contact an academic or find a research supervisor, visit our staff page.Undergraduate degrees
Undergraduate diplomas
Honours
Postgraduate Coursework
Postgraduate Research
Opportunities
Studying philosophy at UNE, you will learn from teachers who are experienced researchers with good records of scholarly publications, each teacher with specific areas of expertise. These philosophical areas include:
- personal identity
- philosophy of biology
- logic
- hermeneutics
- bioethics
- environmental ethics
- meta-ethics
- philosophy of the social sciences
- philosophy of religion
- philosophy of language
- philosophy of mind
- moral philosophy
- political philosophy
- scientific method
- metaphysics
- philosophy and literature
- continental philosophy
- axiology, epistemology
- feminist theory.
Career potential of Philosophy graduates
Philosophy graduates have an education that fits with many career sectors. Studying philosophy provides life skills that translate as skills and abilities to:
- think critically
- communicate with clarity
- solve problems
- argue convincingly.
Famous people who were philosophy majors include:
- Peter Thiel — co-founder and former CEO of Paypal
- Ethan Coen — Film director
- Angela Davis — activist, social commentator
- Steve Martin — actor and comedian
- Susan Sontag — author, filmaker, activist
- Ricky Gervais — actor, comedian.
Partnerships and networks
Language and Cognition Research Cluster
Further information
For more information about our courses and studying at UNE, please contact AskUNE.