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LENGTH OF STUDY:
Up to One Year

ACCREDITATION:
Associate of Arts degree

CAMPUS:
Castlegar Campus

Philosophy delves into the hard questions that shape
human existence. It explores who and what we are
as human beings; it critically examines the things

we value and the ways we treat one another, and it
takes seriously questions about the meaning of life.
Studying philosophy enables us to better engage with
these questions. It equips us with the tools of logic,
and it exposes us to a broad tradition of thoughts and
wisdom on the human condition.

WHY STUDY PHILOSOPHY?

Philosophy can make a difference in people’s

lives. Critical thinking pushes us to reflect on our
background assumptions, and it helps us to sharpen
the analytic tools we use in many areas of life.
Moreover, a hike through the history of philosophy
can illuminate ideas and values that underlie our
cultural traditions and social practices. In this

way studying philosophy can prepare us to make
and defend careful judgments about our lives, our
society, and our world. In short, as Plato might put it,
philosophy can help us to live “the examined life.”

CAREER AND ACADEMIC
BENEFITS OF PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy prepares you for a broad range of
professional careers where success relies on the
ability to read carefully, think critically, and write
persuasively. Recent studies show that many of the
top figures in business, law, politics, journalism, and
education have a background in philosophy [e.g.,
HuffPost, Business Insider, Huffpost ]

Philosophy students also excel at standardized
tests and gaining entrance into graduate level
programs. For example, see how students perform
on the Graduate Requisite Exam and the Law School
Admission Test.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires the completion
of English Studies 12 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Other prerequisites depend on the electives chosen
to complete the program and should be determined
with the advice of a Selkirk College counsellor.

If you are a student who lacks the admission
requirements, you may still gain entry to the program

selkirk.ca/programs

Philosophy

selkirk.ca/program/philosophy

by taking a combination of academic upgrading and
university courses in your first year. This may extend
the length of your program.

Contacts

Phone: 1.888.953.1133 ext 21233
Direct: 250.365.1233

Program Courses Email: admissions@selkirk.ca

All of the courses we offer are suitable for students
pursuing any career path.

PHIL 101 - INTRODUCTORY PHILOSOPHY II

Focuses on the nature of human reality. We explore
metaphysical issues such as self-identity, free will,
and the relationship between the mind and body. We
examine questions about taste in aesthetic judgment,
and we discuss issues in ethical theory including
relativism, subjectivism, and egoism. We end the
course by looking at theories and problems of justice.

Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or equivalent with a
grade of “C” or higher.

PHIL 120 - INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
AND CRITICAL THINKING

Designed to improve students’ ability to reason

well. Students will study the nature, structure,

and purpose of valid arguments, identify common
fallacies and mistakes, and determine when to

use various forms of reasoning (e.g., deductive,
inductive, and abductive). Students will sharpen their
understanding of these concepts by analyzing and
assessing arguments in the courts, news, and other
contemporary media.

Prerequisites: English Studies 12 with a grade
of “C” or higher.

PHIL 210 - BIOMEDICAL ETHICS

Explores moral questions that arise in the context of
healthcare. Students will engage with these questions
by learning ethical theory and by studying challenging
cases. They will outline the relevant features of

real life examples, weigh moral considerations, and
practice articulating recommendations about what

to do. The course covers biomedical topics such as
autonomy, informed consent, surrogate decision
making, traumatic brain injury, refusing care, medical
assistance in dying, assisted reproduction, abortion,
public health, organ donation, genetic screening

and therapy, research and experimentation, rural
medicine, and global health intervention.

While this course is geared primarily to Rural Pre-
Medicine students, it may be of interest to anyone
concerned with medical ethics and healthcare.

Prerequisites: English Studies 12 with a grade
of “C” or higher.

Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2019-20

UNIVERSITY ARTS & SCIENCES ADMISSIONS

171