Philosophy at Langara
The Langara College Philosophy Department is composed of nine faculty members whose areas of expertise include ethics and applied ethics, political philosophy, philosophy and the ethics of science, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of law, philosophy of sport, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. Our courses invite students to engage with fundamental questions about knowledge, values, society, science, and human life, while developing skills in careful reasoning, critical analysis, and clear communication.
The department strives to offer students a wide range of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to offering a diverse selection of courses for university transfer credit and an Associate of Arts Degree in Philosophy, the department has supported student-led initiatives such as a Philosophy Club for discussion and activities, an annual student philosophy conference in past years, and the Philosophers’ Jam dialogue series—a public forum that brings students, faculty, and community members together for informal, respectful discussions of philosophical questions and contemporary issues. The department has also offered experiential learning opportunities, including an international Philosophy Field School, most recently held in Berlin in 2024, where students engaged directly with philosophical, historical, and cultural questions in an immersive academic setting.
Students who take courses or concentrate in philosophy at Langara develop strong analytical and writing skills and are well prepared to pursue university majors or honours programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Philosophy also provides an excellent foundation for further study and careers in fields that value critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication.
Why take Philosophy?
Philosophy helps students develop the ability to think clearly, reason carefully, and engage thoughtfully with complex and often controversial issues. Philosophy courses encourage students to examine assumptions, evaluate arguments, and reflect on fundamental questions about ethics, knowledge, politics, science, technology, and human values.
The skills developed through studying philosophy are widely transferable and highly valued across many disciplines, including law, public policy, science, education, healthcare, business, and technology. Whether taken as part of a degree program, for university transfer, or out of personal interest, philosophy offers students a distinctive way of understanding the world and their place within it.
In philosophy courses, students learn to:
analyze and construct clear, well-supported arguments
think critically about evidence, assumptions, and competing viewpoints
write and speak with clarity and precision
engage respectfully and thoughtfully in discussion
apply ethical reasoning to real-world issues
No prior background in philosophy is required for introductory courses.
