Philosophy

Philosophy (MA)

About the Program

A rising centre of excellence in the North American philosophical community, Ryerson’s  Department of Philosophy offers an intense program leading to a Master of Arts (MA) degree in philosophy. Located in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant downtown, the program contributes to the thriving research culture in Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Focused on core areas of philosophy, the program is designed for students who wish to broaden or deepen their undergraduate experience in philosophy and for students planning to pursue a PhD in philosophy. Our innovative 5-term program includes both a Major Research Paper stream and a Thesis stream.

We will begin considering applications on January 15th, 2012.

Students will gain:

• Exposure to a wide array of philosophical topics. The program includes courses on the nature of the human self, mind and agency; the grounds of our moral and political obligations; the nature, value and limits of knowledge and belief; the value of aesthetic and religious claims and experiences; society’s influence on our conceptions of ourselves and our world; and questions about the ultimate nature of reality.

• Experience with diverse philosophical approaches. Students will explore both recent works from the leading figures in contemporary Analytic and Continental philosophy as well as the foundations of current debates through close study of the most important philosophical texts of the past.

• solid preparation for PhD study in philosophy. By providing students with a broad exposure to the core traditions, eras and topics in philosophy, along with the opportunity to write a Major Research Paper or Thesis, the program will position students to gain entry to, and succeed at, top-ranked PhD programs in Canada and the United States.

• Valuable professional skills. The program aims to develop the analytical, communication, organization, study and research skills needed to succeed in the profession and in the general workplace. Students will study these skills in the innovative Professional Seminar, practice them through teaching assistantships in critical thinking and moral philosophy, and then sharpen them as they engage in research leading to a Major Research Paper or a Thesis.