Facts & figures
Philosophy
- #2 in Australia
- #25 in the world
- 2020 QS World University Rankings
Faculties and schools_
Department of 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, often counter-intuitive questions, and don’t mind if they lead to further, even more difficult questions. We encourage critical reflection and debate.
We are highly regarded for our research and teaching as well as our breadth and diversity. The Department of 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
The Department of Philosophy offers critical thinking workshops for International Baccalaureate (IB) students.
In the interests of public health and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff during the current COVID-19 health alert, we have decided to postpone the March 20 and 27 Critical Thinking workshops
We apologise for any inconvenience.
If you would like more information or to enquire regarding future workshops, please feel free to contact us.
E | toner.stevenson@sydney.edu.au
P | +61 2
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
David Harold Tribe award in Philosophy
The aim of the David Harold Tribe Philosophy Award is to promote interest in philosophy and to help the recipient further their education, enabling them to develop their insights and to advance the general public’s understanding of philosophy.
Applications close Friday, 30 October 2020 at 4 p.m.
The award will be in the sum of $12,000 payable as a one-off payment
TERMS OF THE AWARD
- This award has been made possible by a generous gift to the University by David Harold Tribe, author and humanist, to promote interest in philosophy. The award provides the recipient funds to further their education in the field of philosophy enabling them to develop their insights and advance the general public’s understanding of philosophy.
- The award will be presented to the person who is judged to have written the best published work displaying original thought on philosophy (preferably by a non-academic). The award being made is subject to the judging panel's opinion that the work is of sufficient merit.
- The winner will be formally presented with the award at the annual award ceremony hosted by the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry in May 2021.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
This award is for an original published book, published not earlier than five years before the closing date by a person normally resident in Australia during the three years prior to the submission of the work
- Only ONE entry per person
- Three (3) copies of the book must be submitted with the entry form.
- Late entries will not be considered.
- Entries will not be accepted by email or by facsimile transmission.
- Entries will not be returned.
- A panel of judges appointed by the University will select the winner. The decision of the judges is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
- The winner will be announced on the SOPHI webpage.
For further enquiries please email (with ‘David Harold Tribe Award’ in subject line) sophi.enquiries@sydney.edu.au or phone 02 9351 2862
The entry must be posted or delivered by hand and arrive at the Office of the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry no later than 4 p.m. on the closing date, Friday, 30 October 2020, to:
David Harold Tribe Philosophy Award
School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry
Room 605
A18 Brennan MacCallum
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry
Room 605
A18 Brennan MacCallum
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Research centres
Anderson Visiting Fellowships
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 and expenses up to $17,500, consisting of $2500 airfare and $2500/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 Department of Philosophy through collaborative research and contributions to the teaching program.
For further information, please contact our Research Support Officer.
- 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 Rick Benitez
Professor David Braddon-Mitchell
Dr Carl Brusse
Professor Mark Colyvan
Professor Moira Gatens
Emeritus Professor Stephen Gaukroger
Professor Paul Griffiths
Dr Brian Hedden
Professor Duncan Ivison
Associate Professor Alexandre Lefebvre
Dr Kate Lynch
Associate Professor David Macarthur
Associate Professor Kristie Miller
Dr Dalia Nassar
Associate Professor Luke Russell
Professor Nick Smith
Associate Professor Anik Waldow
Undergraduate coordinator
Professor Rick Benitez
Honours coordinator
Dr Sam Shpall
Higher Degree Research coordinator
Professor Peter Anstey
- Professor Helen Beebee
- Professor Douglas Moggach
- Professor Philip Pettit, FASSA, FAAAS, MRIA, FBA, FAHA
- Professor Huw Price, FBA, FAHA
- Professor Paul Redding
- Professor Paul Thom, FAHA
- Associate Professor John Grumley
- Associate Professor David Miller
- Dr Peter Bowden
- Dr Brett Calcott
- Dr Ryan Cox
- Dr Timothy Dean
- Dr Luke Fischer
- Associate Professor Michael McDermott
- Mr Tibor Molnar
- Dr Edward Spence
- Dr Roderick Sutherland
- Dr Omid Tofighian
Events
The Deparment of Philosopy's seminars are moving online. If you would like to sign up for the Department's seminar series, please follow the link below.
Learn more about the University’s advice regarding COVID-19 here.
The Sydphil list
Sign up for the Sydphil mailing list and receive notifications of upcoming seminars.
Department Chair
Associate Professor Anik Waldow
Visit Associate Professor Waldow's academic profile
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