Department of Philosophy

Philosophy Professor David Boutillier makes a point during class

The world is complex, and the Department of Philosophy uses the tools of logic and reason to analyze the ways humans experience the world. 

Associate of Arts, Philosophy Emphasis

Associate of Arts, Philosophy, Politics and Economics Emphasis

Courses

The department offers a range of courses covering philosophical topics covering ethics, contemporary moral issues and logic.

Faculty 

Dr. David Boutillier

Philosophy - Chair
Office: B Building 123
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6316
Philosophy instructor David Boutillier

David Boutillier's research is in the history of analytic philosophy and the philosophy of science, focusing on the interaction between philosophy and science from Kant through to the logical empiricists. He also has interests in normative and applied ethics, political philosophy, and philosophical logic. His primary goal, as a teacher, is to prepare students for rewarding careers that require rigorous critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and an appetite for self-directed learning. He is passionate about introducing students to the tools and techniques of philosophy that make up part of what the psychologist Daniel Kahneman calls "system 2" thinking.

Dr. Catherine Gee

Philosophy
Office: B Building 233
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6455
Photo of Gee Cathy

My area of specialization is ethics and bioethics. After finishing my PhD I went on to complete a Clinical Ethics Fellowship with London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London in London, Ontario. I teach a variety of ethics courses including Bioethics, Contemporary Moral Issues, Business Ethics, Environmental Ethics, and Criminal Justice Ethics. My research interests focus on applied ethics and topics pertaining to personal autonomy, consent, deception, and authenticity.

Credentials:
PhD Philosophy, University of Waterloo

Dr. Bruce Howes

Philosophy
Office: B Building 224
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4264
Philosophy instructor Bruce Howes

I came to Okanagan College in 2005. I teach a range of philosophy courses including Knowledge & Reality, Logic & Critical Thinking, Ethics, as well as courses in applied Ethics. My research interests are Wittgenstein, Epistemology, Ethics, and the History of Philosophy. When neither teaching nor researching, I enjoy watching animated films about princesses and magic. Sometimes my seven year old daughter joins me.

Credentials:
PhD, Philosophy, University of Ottawa

Dr. Ruth Lowe-Walker

Philosophy
Office: C Building 279
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4392
Lowe-Walker, Ruth photo

I began teaching at Okanagan College in 2016. I have a background in moral theory and teach variety of courses in applied ethics – Business Ethics, Computer Ethics, Bio Ethics, Environmental Ethics and Professional Ethics. I also teach courses in Logic, Cosmopolitanism, Social and Political Philosophy. Current research focuses on the challenges of pluralism in liberal democracies involving the intersecting fields of multiculturalism, minority rights, deliberative democracy and legal theory.

Credentials:
PhD, Philosophy University of St. Andrews
MA, Arts, Queen’s University
BH, Arts, University of Winnipeg

Dr. Rod Watkins

Philosophy
Office: Salmon Arm Building 113
Campus: Salmon Arm
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2339
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Credentials:
PhD, Philosophy, University of Toronto

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