School of Philosophy

Great minds think. Study at our School of Philosophy to bring the riches of ancient wisdom into our contemporary world. 

You’ll explore some of the most fascinating, challenging questions posed by thinkers across the ages, and learn to find wisdom in areas often overlooked. You’ll also develop valuable, transferable skills in abstract thinking, problem-solving and honing in on the issues that matter.

For better answers, ask big questions

School of Philosophy

Philosophy isn’t simply an ancient tradition of thought. It’s also a cutting-edge contemporary discipline that trains you to think deeply and go beyond the obvious. 

As a philosophy student, you’ll encounter a world of new ideas. You’ll develop highly sought-after skills that unlock your ability to sort signals from noise, whether it’s thinking with clarity, developing an argument with academic rigor, or solving complex problems logically and ethically.

This is an opportunity to challenge your thinking and to critically examine the big questions. Use it wisely.

Study with us

Join a school that takes pride in the genuine contribution we make in our research and research – informed teaching. You’ll have the opportunity to study with some of Australia’s finest philosophers at a University that has been assess at “above world standard” in the last two Excellence in Research Australia reports and hosts the internationally recognised Dianoia Institute of Philosophy. Immerse yourself in our regular workshops, seminars and public lectures.

Staff profile Richard Colledge

Richard Colledge

Associate Dean Learning and Teaching

Dr Richard Colledge has been Head of the School of Philosophy since 2011. His early career involved teaching history, economics and English in Brisbane and London secondary schools. Following postgraduate studies in education, counselling psychology and theology, he completed a Licentiate (MA) in Philosophy from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), and a PhD through the University of Queensland in 2006. Prior to joining ACU in 2009, he led the philosophy program, and served as Academic Dean, at St Paul’s Theological College in Brisbane. He is currently working on a book manuscript on the idea of the real in the writings of Martin Heidegger.

Teaching and research

  • Contemporary philosophy
  • History of philosophy
  • Phenomenology
  • Hermeneutics
  • History of metaphysics
  • Philosophy of religion
  • Philosophical psychology

Staff profile Steve Matthews

Steve Matthews

Senior Research Fellow at the Plunkett Centre for Ethics

Dr Steve Matthews has been a part of the Plunkett Centre for Ethics since 2011.

An important research focus has been at the intersection of moral psychology and applied ethics. Specifically, he is interested in the ethical issues raised by losses in competence arising from impairments that are the result of certain psychiatric conditions.

He’s recently been awarded Australian Research Council (ARC) funding for three projects related to this focus, including on mental illness, addiction and dementia.

Dr Matthews’ current project on the ethics of dementia is an ARC-funded Discovery Project called Dementia, Moral Agency and Identity: Respecting the Vulnerable. It will run from 2018–2020.

Research interests

  • Theoretical ethics
  • Applied ethics
  • Moral psychology

School of Philosophy

Meet our school staff

Connect with School of Philosophy staff, read their profiles and see their publication history and research interests.

Meet the team

Contact our school office

Get in touch with the School of Philosophy and learn where our offices are based on ACU campuses across Australia.

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News and events

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Lectures, talks and conferences

We host a range of public presentations throughout the year, including our annual Simone Weil lecture series. See what's on.

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Faculty prizes and awards

Get your hard work recognised with a faculty prize or award. These celebrate outstanding academic performance over the course of your studies.

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Postgraduate alumni rebate

Are you a current or former domestic ACU student wanting to enrol in a postgraduate philosophy program? You may be eligible for a 10% discount. 

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Our faculty research

Explore the important issues we’re investigating and learn more about research at the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, our institute and centres.

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