The Role of Philosophy in the Study of Canada

Abstract This article argues that it is not possible to understand a nation’s ideals, values, goals, and institutional practices or its past, present, and future possibilities without an examination of its foundational philosophy and the historical evolution of that philosophy. Canada is no exception in this regard. Canada’s underlying philosophy is objectively idealistic, inclusive, duty and community oriented, examines life as it is lived, and moves forward in an evolutionary and dialectical fashion. If this hypothesis is true, then why is it the case that the study of this philosophy is largely absent from Canadian university curricula and public discourse?