Courses

This course is intended for students with professional interest in the social and ethical implications of AI. Topics include theoretical issues (could AI ever have moral rights?), practical issues (algorithmic bias, labour automation, data privacy), and professional issues (tech industry social responsibility).

Offers an advanced survey of some central themes in contemporary theoretical philosophy. It is designed to ensure that students have sufficient background to pursue graduate-level research in theses areas.

Provides a forum for further discussion of the central themes in contemporary theoretical philosophy. It is designed to prepare students to write the comprehensive examination in theoretical philosophy.

Offers an advanced survey of some central themes in contemporary practical philosophy. It is designed to ensure that students have sufficient background to pursue graduate-level research in these areas.

Provides a forum for further discussion of the central themes in contemporary practical philosophy. It is designed to prepare students to write the comprehensive examination in practical philosophy.

Candidates must develop a major research paper out of work done in the Research Seminar and one or possibly two other courses. Two readers will be appointed by the Graduate Programme Director, in consultation with the student, to evaluate the Major Research Paper.

Candidates must develop a major research paper out of work done in the Research Seminar and one or possibly two other courses. Two readers will be appointed by the Graduate Programme Director, in consultation with the student, to evaluate the Major Research Paper.

In special circumstances, students may take, for credit and in place of regular seminar courses, a reading course directed by a member of the faculty, which should consist of individual tutorial sessions at least once a month. Students must present sufficient written work to form a basis for discussions and for assessment of progress. Directed reading courses are intended to enable students to pursue a research interest not covered by any of the seminar courses offered in that year; to enable them to explore an unfamiliar topic with a view to making it the topic of the thesis or dissertation; or to fill a gap in their knowledge which might impede their special research. M.A. students may not substitute more than one, or Ph.D. students more than two directed readings for regular seminar courses. Directed reading courses are given ex gratia by members of the faculty and the approval of the Program Director must be obtained in advance. This will not normally be given unless the Director is satisfied that the student has the appropriate background to pursue the course at a suitably advanced level.

In special circumstances, students may take, for credit and in place of regular seminar courses, a reading course directed by a member of the faculty, which should consist of individual tutorial sessions at least once a month. Students must present sufficient written work to form a basis for discussions and for assessment of progress. Directed reading courses are intended to enable students to pursue a research interest not covered by any of the seminar courses offered in that year; to enable them to explore an unfamiliar topic with a view to making it the topic of the thesis or dissertation; or to fill a gap in their knowledge which might impede their special research. M.A. students may not substitute more than one, or Ph.D. students more than two directed readings for regular seminar courses. Directed reading courses are given ex gratia by members of the faculty and the approval of the Program Director must be obtained in advance. This will not normally be given unless the Director is satisfied that the student has the appropriate background to pursue the course at a suitably advanced level.

This course examines a key thinker, theme, question or debate in recent continental philosophy.

This course focuses on one or more of the key figures in the philosophy of language. Possible subjects include: Quine, Davidson, Searle, Evans, McDowell, and Brandom.

This course focuses on one or more of the central problems in the philosophy of mind. Topics may include: the metaphysics of mind, mental causation, intentionality, belief, consciousness, qualia and propositional attitudes.

This course involves a detailed examination of a key question, theme, debate or thinker in moral psychology.

This course focuses on one or more of the central figures in political philosophy. Figures studied may include: Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Bentham, Mill, Rawls, Nozick, Sen.

This course focuses on one or more major problems in political philosophy, including, but not limited to, the problem of justice, equality, the authority of the state, the rights of individuals, the nature of citizenship, the ownership of property, the problem of freedom, the redistribution of wealth, and the nature of social contracts.

All first-year PhD students are required to take either this course or PHIL 6800 (First-Year Seminar). It is designed to familiarize them with the Graduate Program in Philosophy and to impart the skills needed to complete the PhD.

All third-year PhD students are required to take either this course or PHIL 6850 (PhD Research Seminar I). This course focuses on developing the skills necessary to defend their dissertation proposal, and to research, structure, and write early dissertation chapters.