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.

Honours and postgraduate courses
Majors

Study Philosophy as a Major in one of our Arts Degrees

Our staff

To contact an academic or find a research supervisor, visit our staff page.

Find a staff member

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

Australasian Association of Philosophy

Further information

For more information about our courses and studying at UNE, please contact AskUNE.