Introduction

In philosophy, more so than any other discipline, I am a firm believer that learning is best achieved through active discussion with others.

With 7 years experience studying philosophy, and 3 years experience teaching philosophy to undergraduates, I am amply equipped to offer advanced instruction and assistance in understanding and effectively engaging with a vast range of philosophical material. Through one-on-one discussions, I will help illuminate and make accessible texts and ideas that at first appear obscure and frustratingly complex, and impart some best practices with regards to studying and writing papers that will help prepare one for success in academic institutions.

I care deeply about my craft, and believe with utmost confidence that a philosophical education is an important component of an enriched life, and prepares one for success in the wider world. If I could do this for free, I would. Unfortunately, I was born in 20th century Toronto and not 5th century BCE Athens, so I have not been afforded the luxury of that option.

Having said that, I will go above and beyond what one would expect from an average tutor; do not be surprised if we go well over the allotted time (with no additional charges) simply because we have found ourselves locked in a lively and enlightening philosophical discussion! It is moments like those that I live for, and it is that same passion and love of the pursuit of wisdom that I hope to instil in others.

-James Shortly, M.A.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from the University of Toronto
    • 3.85 GPA in philosophy courses
  • Master of Arts Degree in Ancient Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario
    • 3.95 GPA in philosophy courses
  • 7 years of formal university training in philosophy
  • 3 years experience teaching philosophy at both the University of Toronto and Western Ontario

Services

  • Provide one-on-one advanced instruction in philosophical materials relevant to your courses through active discussion
  • Review and make suggestions to improve drafts of philosophy papers
  • Offer guidance on best practices for success in philosophy courses at an academic institution
  • Rate: $20/hr

Courses Completed

University of Toronto

  • PHL200Y1: Ancient Philosophy
  • PHL205H1: Early Medieval Philosophy
  • PHL206H1: Later Medieval Philosophy
  • PHL217H1: Intro to Continental Philosophy
  • PHL240H1: Persons, Minds, Bodies
  • PHL246H1: Probability & Inductive Logic
  • PHL275H1: Intro to Ethics
  • PHL301H1: Early Greek Philosophy
  • PHL302H1: Philosophy After Aristotle
  • PHL303H1: Plato
  • PHL304H1: Aristotle
  • PHL308H1: Aquinas
  • PHL313H1: Topics in 17th & 18th Century Philosophy
  • PHL320H1: Phenomenology
  • PHL326H1: Wittgenstein
  • PHL336H1: Islamic Philosophy
  • PHL340H1: Issues in Philosophy of Mind
  • PHL385H1: Issues in Aesthetics
  • PHL400H1: Seminar in Ancient or Medieval Philosophy
  • GER411H1: Intro to Critical Theory
  • PHL489Y1: Advanced Philosophy
  • PHL495H1: Individual Studies (Plato)
  • PHL498H1: Individual Studies (Averroes & Aristotle)

University of Western Ontario

  • PHL9019A: The Epicureans
  • PHL9021B: Plato’s Philebus
  • PHL9023A: Kant’s Transcendental Idealism
  • PHL9024A: The Stoics & Stoicism
  • PHL9025B: Plato’s Theory of Forms
  • PHL9614B: Philosophy of Language Survey
  • PHL9899L: Master’s Research Project (Aristotle’s Epistemology)

Contact Information

Email: jamesshortly@gmail.com

Phone: (647) 235-5914