The Philosophy Department Awards
The Gadfly Prizes
The Gadfly Prizes are awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate in Philosophy in each of the second and third years. The prizes commemorate Socrates' description of himself as one who rouses and reproves the society in which he lives, just as a gadfly awakens a sluggish horse (Apology, 30E).
Past Winners:
2023-24
Adam Cinq-Mars
Matthew Tadgell
2024-25
Ellen Edmonds-Whyte
Kasonde Mutale
The James Creery Memorial Prize
In memory of James Harold Creery, a Trent student of Philosophy in 1972-74, the James Creery Memorial Prize is awarded annually for the best philosophical essay written by an undergraduate at Trent.
Past Winners:
2023-24
Zane Kelman
2024-25
Lydia Berghuis
The Bruce Barrett Memorial Prize
Honouring former Trent Philosophy student Bruce Barrett, the Bruce Barrett Memorial Prize is awarded annually to outstanding students in first-year philosophy courses.
Past Winners:
2023-24
Ellen Edmonds-Whyte
Candace Buck
2024-25
Joshua Anderson
June Munroe
Sarah Judd
The Helen E. McNaughton Prize
The Helen E. McNaughton Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding student in Philosophy entering their fourth year.
Past Winners:
2023-24
Carly Walker
2024-25
Olivia Goricanec
The Sophia Prize
Established in 1999 to honour Professor Robert Carter on his retirement, the Sophia Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding third or fourth year student who best exemplifies Philosophy as the love of wisdom.
Past Winners:
2024-25
Carter Kurtz
The Marys' Fund Scholarship
The Marys' Fund Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student entering the final year of the Honours' Program in Philosophy. It has been established in honour of Mary Margaret (Stuart) Beattie and Mary Marjorie (Murphy) Beattie, respectively the late mother and late wife of the donor, David Beattie.
Past Winners:
2023-24
Olive Beyer
2024-25
Shane Herrell
Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada Essay Prize
This prize is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in Philosophy with a minimum average of 80% for the best essay or project reflecting the importance of promoting peace, justice, understanding, or equality. This award is supported by the Association Of Progressive Muslims Of Canada. It is open to students of any faith.
Past Winners:
2023-24
Yukio Jamieson-Burns
2024-25
Ryan Sabri
Purposefulness without Purpose Prize
The Purposefulness fund was established in honour of Linda Carol Brown-Conway, a native of Peterborough, a graduate of Trent University, a dedicated schoolteacher, and an inveterate volunteer. This fund recognizes undergraduate students experiencing financial difficulties majoring in Philosophy who contribute in some significant way to philosophical research within the Department of Philosophy at Trent.
Past Winners:
2023-24
Ryan Sabri
2024-25
Chase Kilbourne