About Philosophy

The word philosophy comes from the Greek word philo meaning 'love', and sophia meaning 'wisdom.' So philosophy means 'love of wisdom.' Philosophy courses are about the ultimate nature of things, including knowledge, reality, reasoning, the human mind, religious belief, truth, free will, human nature and democracy, as well as ethical issues in biology, medicine, law, politics, and the environment. The Philosophy Department at Capilano University offers a wide range of university courses introducing students to most of these issues.

Philosophy is the activity of creating thoughtful answers to many of our most important questions. Philosophy is excellent preparation for any profession, but the most important reason for studying philosophy is human curiosity about fundamental problems concerning the nature of reality and how we ought to live. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Summer 2012 Condensed Critical Thinking courses

Again, we will be offering two 2-week Critical Thinking courses in 2012:

Also in Summer 2012

PHIL 110  Critical Thinking with Mark Battersby - May 7 to June 22, 2012. Days & Times TBA.

Ancient Columns

"The man who has no tincture of philosophy goes through life imprisoned in the prejudices derived from common sense, from the habitual beliefs of his age or his nation, and from convictions which have grown up in his mind without the co-operation or consent of his deliberate reason."
Bertrand Russell, The Problems of Philosophy