Philosophy

What will we teach you?

The study of philosophy addresses fundamental themes and problems from classical Greece to the present, including questions about the nature of humanity, our existence in the world, ethics, education, politics, and science. You will explore ancient and medieval philosophy, modern thought, and continental and 20th-century analytic philosophy. You will learn to think critically and argue effectively. You will step out of the shadows of history and orient yourself to past and present Czech and world thought. Additionally, you can participate in organising conferences and workshops and collaborate with us on research projects.

What will you become?

As a generalist, you will be valuable wherever language or concepts are used and where distinguishing between misinformation and critically based opinions is essential. You can address philosophical issues in ethics, education, politics, and science more professionally. By familiarising yourself with the history of thought and philosophy from antiquity to the twentieth century, you can effectively work thoroughly with texts, arguments, and debates.

What do the entrance exams involve?

An oral interview held in Czech or Slovak language either online or on-site at the option of the applicants. During the interview, applicants will outline their motivation for applying for the Philosophy programme and will have the opportunity to ask the committee questions about the study. The committee will inquire about what interests the applicants in Philosophy and what their expectations about the study are. The interview will also address the books read if their list is submitted by the applicants.

The language proficiency of foreign applicants to study in the Czech language is established and checked during the interview.

Rules for the waiver of entrance exams

To have the entrance exams waived, applicants must apply for the waiver in writing. Not later than one week before the entrance exam, applicants will submit to the Faculty’s Study Office a certified copy of one of the following documents (the document cannot be sent electronically):

1. Certificate showing a minimum percentage score of 55 in the Social Sciences Fundamentals tests in the Scio National Comparative Exams. For more information, see www.scio.cz. Accepted Scio exam dates include: 9 December 2023, 16 January 2024, 3 February 2024, 2 March 2024, 23 March 2024, 1 May 2024, 25 May 2024, 7 December 2024, 13 January 2025, 1 February 2025, 1 March 2025.
2. Certificate of participation in student research competition in any of the social sciences fields: a certificate of participation in the national competition, ranking 1-3 in the regional competition.
3. Certificate the Award of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy of the University of Pardubice in the regional level of the Festival of Science and Technology for Children and Youth in the Pardubice Region (Promise of the award).

Entrance exams are also waived in the following situations:

1. Excellent performance at the secondary school leaving exam (maximum average grade of 2.0).
2. Excellent performance at the secondary school (maximum average grade of 2.0 at the final report in the third year).