Department of Philosophy
Why study Philosophy?
Learn how to think, discuss and write about abstract ideas. Discover how philosophy contributes to disciplines as diverse as sociology and computer science. You'll develop skills that lead to success in a wide range of graduate studies, and beyond.
Why Gender and Sexuality Studies?
The interdisciplinary Gender and Sexuality Studies (GSXS) program (formerly Women’s Studies WMST) focuses on issues of gender and sexuality, as well as race, class, disability, citizenship/documentation, age, and environmental issues. The program is defined by intersectional feminism and is global in scope. Issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion feature in all GSXS courses. GSXS instructors are committed to collaborative and participatory classrooms, decolonial learning, and a human rights agenda.
The supportive and welcoming attitudes of the members of the Philosophy Department at the University of Calgary fostered a collaborative environment that allowed me to thrive personally and academically.
Makmiller Pedroso
PhD'12, Assistant Professor, Towson University
Explore our programs
Undergraduate programs
Philosophy
Learn to answer the big questions. What is the ultimate nature of reality? How should we construct a just society? And how can we lead good lives?
Undergraduate programs
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Are you interested in exploring concepts like racism, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual identity? Do you see connections between the classroom and the community? Are you attuned to the pressing social issues of our times? Consider the Gender and Sexuality Studies program. Join the discussion, learn from other students, and deepen your critical thinking skills.
Graduate programs
MA and PhD programs
Our department is a vibrant philosophical community. You will benefit from graduate seminars, an active visiting speakers series and regular research group meetings. Add your voice to our community.
Philosophy and Gender and Sexuality Studies news and announcements
June 2026 Transdisciplinary Connector Grants Awarded
Researchers from the Faculty of Arts play central leadership and collaboration roles in transdisciplinary projects
Monetary Justice in the Era of Central Bank Independence
Andrew Allison’s dissertation offers a neo-republican analysis of central bank independence
Reframing Expertise in Psychiatric Classification: Values, Objectivity, and Institutional Reform
Christina Leach Allan’s thesis examines how mental disorders are classified and why diagnostic revision is important in clinical practice
Introducing the Faculty of Arts newest leadership
Celebrating four new leadership appointments alongside two renewed terms.
Constructive Mathematics and Standards of Proof: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives
Koray Akcaguner's thesis traces how the tradition of constructive mathematics evolved into computational approaches to mathematics and what counts as a mathematical proof
Philosophy Department members awarded for teaching excellence
Jessica Ruffolo and Allen Habib were honoured for their commitment to student success at the 2026 Teaching Excellence Awards
In the media
In the News Cathy Billington in Calgary Herald
Gala aims to expand Sikh Studies program at University of Calgary
In the News Safaneh Mohaghegh Neyshabouri, Philosophy/School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures, in CBC News
Calgary's Iranian community looks to the future as military action unfolds in Iran
In the News Harjeet Singh Grewal, Classics and Religion, in CTV News
New exhibit celebrates legacy of Sikh soldiers in Canadian military
In the News Andrew Allison, Philosophy, The Conversation
What the looming federal election could mean for the Bank of Canada’s independence
In the News Andrew Allison writing in The Conversation Canada
What the looming federal election could mean for the Bank of Canada’s independence
In the News Safaneh Neyshabouri, Philosophy/School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures, in The Globe and Mail, in
Alberta tables legislation regulating pronouns in school, gender in sports, limiting access to health care
Transdisciplinary research grows
Faculty of Arts researchers are leading and contributing to nine Transdisciplinary Connector Grant projects tackling climate resilience, Indigenous food sovereignty, health and other complex societal challenges.
