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PHIL 100JIntroduction to Philosophy

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
Philosophy

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 7 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This course seeks to introduce students to the nature of philosophy. This is done through the examination of core texts and figures in the history of philosophy as well as in the discussion of perennial philosophical questions.

Prerequisites

None listed.

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001376017 / 40MW 11:30–12:50

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 08140940 / 75Online or by arrangement
LEC 702159116 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Reviewed on UW Flow

45% liked it52% easy40% useful

From 38 ratings and 13 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • My prof was really nice, but this course is literally just Overthinking101. LOTS of required readings; they're really hard to read because the authors write so complicated. Once you understand what the authors are saying though, it's nice cause you get something cool to think about. My course had four assignments. Two take-home assignments, which were easy (Pick five words from a list of selected words from selected philosophers and write like two sentences on what it means, and a paragraph on one of two passages); a critical passage analysis, 1000 words (An essay about two choice passages from a list of selected passages and philosophers); and a final take-home exam essay, 1000-1500 words…

    Dec 2024 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Took it during pandemic and all I had to do was write 4 essays. Not too bad if you like philosophy.

    Mar 2021 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Bruno Tremblay: 12 short, five minute quizzes are done (the ten best marks are used) to summarize the reading at the beginning of class.
    Two midterm tests (people tend to do better on the second once they have seen what to expect) and final exam with clear expectations of what to expect.
    The readings were rewarding and diverse, as well as free! Everything was provided as a pdf and no books needed to be purchased. Overall, a good introduction to philosophy.

    Jan 2016 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • A short quiz each week summarizing the reading is worth 30% of your mark. The course gives a good selection of materials that offer various philosophical views

    Nov 2014 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Stupid and wrong. Did you know that Socrates spent his life trying to prove the existence of the Chrisitian god? Fun fact.

    Apr 2014 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

11 posts and comments in 11 threads mention PHIL 100J, August 2013 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Spring 2022

Anyone here taking PHIL 100J? 1 point, 0 comments

u/ConfusedCivillian: “I know literally nobody taking this course, would really appreciate to get in touch with a current/past student. with the Test coming up next week. On a side note, if anyone has any advice about PHIL exams (or specifically Prof. Bruno Tremblay) i'd appreciate it. …”

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Winter 2022

Winter 2021

Fall 2019

What do you guys think of profs who lecture without any slides or visual aids? 14 points, 13 comments

“For arts and humanities courses specifically. I've had so many profs just stand at the front of the room and lecture at us for an hour and 20 minutes. …”

u/kuroturtlez: “what courses? Never knew this was a thing.”

u/daotherkangvexos: “PHIL 100J is one. The class is 80 minutes, so it isn't the worst thing in the world, but if I had been sick or something it would not be fun.”

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Fall 2017

Any way to disable UWCourseLinker from posting? 16 points, 26 comments

“posting a reply to my comment I find the bot annoying.”

u/Jackhofmann: “PSYCH 483 PSYCH 484 PSYCH 485 PSYCH 486 PSYCH 490R PSYCH 499A PSYCH 499B PSYCH 499C PSYCH 621 PSYCH 630 PSYCH 677A PSYCH 704A PSYCH 704B PSYCH 707 PSYCH 710 PSYCH 714 PSYCH 717 PSYCH 720A PSYCH 721A …”

u/Jackhofmann: “… PHARM 497 PHARM 498 PHARM 499 PHARM 601 PHARM 605 PHARM 608A PHARM 610 PHARM 611 PHARM 616 PHIL 100J PHIL 101 PHIL 110A PHIL 120J PHIL 121 PHIL 145 PHIL 201 PHIL 201W PHIL 202 PHIL 209W PHIL 215 PHIL 216 PHIL 220J PHIL 221 PHIL 226 PHIL 240 PHIL 247W PHIL 251 PHIL 256 PHIL 258 …”

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Fall 2014

Winter 2014

Switching classes and LEARN 0 points, 3 comments

u/tl13: “Hi, how long does it usually take for a class to appear on LEARN after I switched to it. Does anyone have any experience with this? EDIT: On a side note, if anyone is taking PHIL 100J (sections 1 or 2) I am selling a copy of the new course notes for $10”

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Spring 2013

Textbooks - First Year 2 points, 10 comments

u/T3hHippie: “… - My textbook for my philosophy class is still not available to see on 'Booklook'; the class is PHIL 100J. I really need to find out what the textbook is so I can purchase it before class starts. …”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar