Fonds UAA Fonds 0035 - Department of Philosophy fonds

In 1909, John M. MacEachran came to the University of Alberta to teach philosophy and act as Head of the Department of Philosophy and Psychology. That year, three courses were listed under philosophy in the calendar. Four years later, in 1913, the first MA in philosophy was awarded. In 1933 the Department was known as the Department of Philosophy, Psychology and Education, until Education became an independent school in 1934. The Department of Philosophy and Psychology were divided in 1960. (PACCR, 1985).

The Department of Philosophy offers a well-rounded program, with strengths in the areas of the philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, aesthetics, political philosophy, environmental ethics, and Indian philosophy. Activities in the department include the weekly department colloquium, instituted in 1961, which has hosted many visiting speakers. The department has also hosted and organized national and international conferences, as well as annual meetings of the Society for Exact Philosophy, the Western Canadian Philosophy Association, the Conference for the Study of Political Thought, the Society for Philosophy and Psychology, and other organizations.

Heads: 1909-1945 John Malcolm MacEachran; 1945-1952 John Macdonald; 1952-1957 Douglas Elstow Smith; 1957-1968 Anthony Manuel Mardiros.

Chairs: 1970-1976 Peter Schouls; 1976-1983 Cameron Mackenzie; 1983-[19–] W. David Sharp; Catherine Wilson; Bernard Linsky; 2003-[2014?] Bruce Hunter.