Ask the big questions about ourselves, our world, and how to live.
Philosophy explores some of the deepest and most fundamental questions about reality and human existence. What is the nature of reality, and how can we know it? What is consciousness? Can machines think? Do we have free will? How ought we to live? What makes an action right or wrong? How should we arrange our societies, and what does justice require? These questions are fascinating in themselves, and many of us simply want to know the answers.
At the same time, philosophy equips students with intellectual skills that are vital in any profession. A major in philosophy will train you to think precisely, deliberate carefully, and communicate with clarity and persuasion. Because these are transferable skills - critical thinking, persuasive speaking, and clear writing—they are valued in every workplace, across every sector.
The University of Sydney is home to one of the most wide-ranging philosophy departments in Australia, with strengths in both the analytic and continental traditions, historical and contemporary philosophy, and expertise across major fields including ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, logic, social and political philosophy, and aesthetics.
Students who major in philosophy learn to construct and evaluate arguments, identify key points in a debate, uncover assumptions, and draw fruitful conceptual distinctions. They also develop intellectual virtues such as honesty, fairness, and the ability to discuss matters of importance without recourse to insult or taking offense.
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.
Research
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
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The Fellowship applications for the 2026 academic year are now closed.
For further information, please contact our Research Support Officer.
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.
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Room 607, Brennan MacCallum Building A18,
The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006
Phone: 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864) (in Australia)
+61 2 9351 2862 (outside Australia)
Email: soh.enquiries@sydney.edu.au
