The Philosophy of Time Travel and Science Fiction

About the Course

Contemporary philosophy doesn't stop at Plato and Aristotle. It also takes on some of the most interesting questions raised by modern science: could time travel be possible? Can you change the past? What would happen if you met your younger self? In this course from the UBC Department of Philosophy we uses time travel and science fiction as a way to explore some of the deepest questions about reality, time, identity, free will, and the nature of the universe.

Drawing on both philosophy and physics, the course examines famous time-travel paradoxes, investigates competing theories of time, and asks what time travel can teach us about ourselves and the world we inhabit. Along the way, learners engage with thought experiments, contemporary debates, and classic works of science fiction.

Format

Fully online, self-directed. Video lectures, assigned readings, interviews with expert philosophers, self-assessment and reflection exercises and optional discussions with other learners.

Course Dates: Starts November 2, 2026

Length: 6 weeks | 3-4 hours per week

Instructor: Fatema Amijee

Prerequisite: None

Price: $250 + GST (5%) = $262.50

About the Instructor

Fatema Amijee is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia. Her research spans metaphysics, the history of philosophy, feminist philosophy, and the philosophy of religion. She has written on a wide range of topics, including the nature of inquiry, explanation, time travel and feminism.

Combining a strong foundation in science, expertise in the history of philosophy, and an active research program in contemporary metaphysics, she is able to bring together scientific, historical, and philosophical perspectives on questions about time, reality, causation, and personal identity. Her goal is to make these complex ideas accessible and engaging for learners from all backgrounds, using science fiction as a gateway to some of the most enduring

Refund Policy

We will issue a refund or full fee transfer to another course, less a $50 administration fee, when you fill out and submit our Course Withdrawal Form at least three (3) business days before the course start date. We cannot offer refunds or course transfers for withdrawals after this deadline.

Registration Help

For registration support, contact UBC's Learning Technology Hub at 604-827-4775 or LT.hub@ubc.ca

Please also see the UBC Canvas Catalog learner guide for directions and Frequently Asked Questions: https://lthub.ubc.ca/guides/canvas-catalog-learner-guide/