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Philosophy
Explore fundamental and important questions
We use the tools of logic and reason to analyse the complex social and material nature of the world and our place in it.
Philosophy is about learning to think rigorously for yourself so you can defend your positions with considered reasons and cogent arguments. The study of philosophy improves an individual's ability to speak and write clearly, logically and convincingly. These broad skills, along with capacity for independent thought, are highly transferable, powerful aids to success in any profession.
In philosophy we ask deep questions, and don’t mind if they lead to difficult, even counter-intuitive, answers. We encourage critical reflection and debate.
We are highly regarded for our research and teaching as well as our breadth and diversity. Philosophy at the University of Sydney is home to leading thinkers in a wide range of areas of philosophy, and we offer a rich and varied array of units taught by dedicated and enthusiastic scholars whose outstanding research informs their teaching at every level.
Our study offering
Philosophy formulates and explores questions of fundamental importance to us as human beings. For example: What is consciousness? Are we free agents? What makes an action right? What makes an action wrong? What is truth, and how can we come by it? How should we form beliefs about the world? Is it possible for machines to think? Studying philosophy will equip you with a disciplined capacity for critical analysis and dramatically enhance your communication skills.
Undergraduate
*Available to all students studying the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.
Research
Critical thinking workshops for IB High Schools
Philosophy offers critical thinking workshops for International Baccalaureate (IB) students.
If you would like more information or to enquire regarding future workshops, please feel free to contact us.
E | soh.events@sydney.edu.au
P | +61 2 9351 2271
Our research
- Aesthetics, art, literature and film
- Philosophy of science (biology and cognitive science)
- History of philosophy
- Logic
- Metaphysics
- Philosophy of mind
- Epistemology
- Decision theory
- Philosophy of mathematics
- Philosophy of law
- Philosophy of language
- Pragmatism
- Moral, social and political philosophy
Research centres
Anderson Visiting Fellowships
The Fellowship applications for 2025 are now open. Applications close 31 May 2024.
Anderson Fellowships are bestowed through a bequest of the estate of John Anderson (1893-1962), influential Australian philosopher and Challis Professor of Philosophy at the University of Sydney from 1927 to 1958.
The Anderson bequest funds travel to the University of Sydney for up to two fellows each year with the aim of promoting collaboration between members of the philosophy department and leading researchers around the world.
In order to apply, applicants must first have an academic sponsor from the Discipline of Philosophy with whom they will work when at the University.
Applications should highlight the ways in which the applicant will contribute to the research and teaching of the department and to collaborations with departmental members.
Applicants can apply for one of two fellowships.
- Anderson Distinguished Visiting Fellowships funds travel and expenses up to $41 000 including up to $5000 in airfare and living allowance of up to $3000 per week.
- Anderson Visiting Fellowships fund travel and expenses up to $32,500, consisting of $2,500 airfare and $2,500/week living allowance.
Anderson Fellows will be provided with office space, library borrowing rights and other resources.
Anderson Fellows are expected to be present at the University of Sydney for the duration of their Fellowship and to make a substantial contribution to the academic life of the Discipline of Philosophy through collaborative research and contributions to the teaching program.
For further information, please contact our Research Support Officer.
- 2023: Hannah Tierney and Natalja Deng
- 2022: Helen Beebee, Christoph Emanuel Viebahn and Jose Zalabardo
- 2019: David Bronstein, Carrie Figdor
- 2018: Amie L Thomasson, Lisa Shapiro
- 2017: Anna Marmodoro, Natalie Stoljar
- 2016: Nikk Effingham, Eric Watkins
Our people
- Professor Peter Anstey
- Professor David Braddon-Mitchell
- Professor Mark Colyvan
- Dr Ryan Cox
- Associate Professor Luara Ferracioli
- Dr Emily Hulme
- Professor Duncan Ivison
- Professor Alexandre Lefebvre
- Professor David Macarthur
- Professor Kristie Miller
- Dr Dalia Nassar
- Dr Michael Nielsen
- Associate Professor Luke Russell
- Dr Samuel Shpall
- Professor Nick Smith
- Dr Peter Takacs
- Professor Anik Waldow
- Dr Caroline West
- Chair
Professor Kristie Miller - Undergraduate coordinator
Professor David Braddon-Mitchell - Honours coordinator
Dr Emily Hulme - Research Coordinator
Dr Dalia Nassar - Seminar Convenor
Dr Ryan Cox - Aademic Advisor
Dr Michael Nielsen
- Professor JC Beall
- Professor Helen Beebee
- Professor Rick Benitez
- Professor Paul Crittenden
- Professor Moira Gatens
- Professor Paul Griffiths
- Professor Gavin Kitching
- Professor Douglas Moggach
- Professor Philip Pettit, FASSA, FAAAS, MRIA, FBA, FAHA
- Professor Huw Price, FBA, FAHA
- Professor Paul Redding
- Professor Paul Thom, FAHA
- Professor Jeffrey Beall
- Professor Helen Beebee
- Professor Eugenio Benitez
- Dr Thomas Besch
- Dr Pierrick Bourrat
- Dr Brett Calcott
- Emeritus Professor Keith Campbell
- Dr Millicent Churcher
- Professor Paul Crittenden
- Dr Timothy Dean
- Dr Daniel Faith
- Dr Luke Fischer
- Professor Emerita Moira Gatens
- Associate Professor John Grumley
- Dr Laura Kotevska
- Dr Andrew Latham
- Professor Alexandre Lefebvre
- Dr Kathleen Lynch
- Associate Professor Michael McDermott
- Mr Harry Melkonian
- Professor Douglas Moggach
- Mr Tibor Molnar
- Mr Aidan Nathan
- Dr James Norton
- Professor Huw Price
- Emeritus Professor Paul Redding
- Dr Julie-Ann Robson
- Dr Sebastian Sequoiah-Grayson
- Dr Edward Spence
- Dr Roderick Sutherland
- Associate Professor Daniel Wodak
- Ms Shira Yechimovitz
- Emeritus Professor Keith Campbell
- Emeritus Professor Stephen Gaukroger
Events
Our seminars are held every Wednesday at 3.30 till 5.00 in Seminar Room N494, Quadrangle A14.
Click here for details on how to locate the Seminar Room. There is also a zoom link for those who cannot attend in person, which is mailed out to our mailing list each week via Sydphil.
Join our seminars and events
- Sign up for the Sydphil mailing list and receive notifications of upcoming seminars.
- Find upcoming Philosophy seminars and events on the University's What's On calendar.