The Department of Philosophy at Memorial University is a small but vibrant community of scholars actively researching and teaching in a variety of areas of philosophy in the heritage city of St. John’s, Newfoundland. 

The Department offers a variety of undergraduate programs and directs graduate research in the history of philosophy, continental philosophy, and political philosophy, as well as other areas. Students of all levels are invited to come with us and explore the nature and problems of existence, being and thought.

Congratulations to Bryan Heystee

Congratulations to Bryan Heystee for successfully defending his PhD Dissertation in Philosophy on 3 March 2026. Bryan's dissertation is titled "From Here to Eternity: George Grant and Historicity." According to Bryan's Supervisor, Dr. Sean McGrath, "Bryan's dissertation is a major contribution to the growing literature on the Canadian philosopher, George Grant, who made headlines in the 60s and 70s. Grant believed that Canada should be careful about US domination. He also argued that technology is not neutral but determines the way we think. Hard to imagine two more topical themes. Bryan's work demonstrates the importance of Grant not only for Canadian history but for contemporary philosophy." Discussions are already underway between Bryan and a major Canadian university press to turn the dissertation into a book. Well done Bryan!