Faculty of Philosophy
History of the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków
The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow’s Faculty of Philosophy can proudly trace its origins to the beginning of education in Poland in 1397, with the founding of the Faculty of Theology at the Jagiellonian University. Our academic lineage is centuries old, yet we remain committed to the learning process and discovering knowledge with our students.
The German invasion in 1939, and the subsequent occupation during World War II, disrupted The Cracow School of Christian Philosophy’s educational activities. Its operations and development were hindered by the Second World War and subsequent Soviet Occupation. Throughout these difficult years, the School’s professors worked to preserve and develop Christian thought, even in the face of the enforced and methodical atheisation of Polish culture. In 1954, the Faculty of Theology was removed from the Jagiellonian University by the ruling Communist powers. Nonetheless, the Faculty strove to regain its rights.
Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and Archbishop Karol Wojtyła
In the 1970s, the Cracow School developed its Philosophical discipline. Philosophy provides a basis for continued education and is necessary for the education of future theologians. Rev. Cardinal Karol Wojtyła set the foundation for the beginnings of the Faculty of Philosophy. As Pope John Paul, he issued the Motu Proprio Beata Hedvigis on December 8, 1981, thereby establishing the Pontifical Academy of Theology – an action made independently of the Communist authorities. From 1981, the Faculty of Philosophy operated as an independent academic unit. Its academic evolution continued into the 21st century. An esteemed community was formed, including great Christian intellectuals, such as: rev. prof. Józef Tischner, rev. prof. Michał Heller, rev. prof. Andrzej Kłoczowski, and prof. Karol Tarnowski.
The university has carried the name of the Pontifical University of John Paul II since June 19, 2009. Despite the considerable growth of the University, the Faculty of Philosophy remains as one of its great cornerstones- connecting the academic tradition of the Pontifical Academy of Theology with an ever-evolving openness for new ideas that keeps it relevant to its students and research. Currently, the Faculty of Philosophy is composed of 13 departments that engage in research and teaching activities that relate to the best traditions of Christian philosophy and the reality of present-day challenges.
Graduates of the Philosophy in English programme
Philosophy in English
In 2017, the Faculty of Philosophy started offering studies in English with its Ph.D. program. In 2019, this offer was extended to the “MA Philosophy in English programme and the “Philosophy, Christianity, and the Modern World” programme, which is taught in Russian and Polish. From 2022, the “MA Philosophy in English” has become “MA Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion”. In 2020, the Faculty opened MA Psychology studies. The University is also opening studies for the BA Philosophy in English and BA Theology in English programmes. Our offers are ever-expanding, and we encourage you to consider beginning your own academic adventure with us!
Memories from the "Philosophy in the Mountains" weekend conference
UPJP2’s Faculty belongs to the leading faculties of philosophy in Poland and belongs to the “A” ranking of universities in Poland. The Philosophy faculty is an active place, with many ongoing events, projects, and volunteer opportunities for students to participate in. Our team conducts a wide range of research projects, which allows our students to develop according to their individual interests. Our degree programs are comprehensive and constantly expanding. Effectively, students receive a complete education, covering all leading schools of philosophy, the history of philosophy, and the relevant contemporary issues. In addition, we offer unique lectures every year, which are related to the advanced research projects of our scholars.
MA Philosophy in English graduates with the Head of Studies Dr. Jakub Synowiec, Ph.D. and Rev. Prof. Władysław Zuziak
Our studies are suitable for graduates from different fields – no matter the background, they will provide the student with a solid philosophical background and a comprehensive understanding of current philosophical, religious, and scientific debates. The Bachelor's and Master's study programmes will develop the student's abilities to discuss philosophy in the English language and is therefore also recommended for those students who are planning to have an academic career in the field. Studies in Philosophy at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow are designed to be a great intellectual adventure – our knowledge and experience will thoroughly guide students’ passion and philosophical interests on the path of self-development. Our graduates will find that their future careers are not limited to academia. We provide opportunities for them to meet philosophers who have used their knowledge beyond the doors of the university to help people find the good life.
We invite individuals who are interested in the relationships between science and faith, faith, philosophy, and scientific philosophy to come join us! Students will enjoy discussing philosophical issues in small groups of up to 15 students, as the free and effective exchange of thoughts and reflections is an important factor in the evolution of philosophical skills. We offer numerous opportunities for students to develop academically and professionally:
- Students are invited to cooperate with professional philosophical journals run by our Faculty. With the help of our professors, they can publish their first articles in recognized journals.
- Information regarding conferences is shared with students. Some of our students have presented their research at international conferences and published their findings!
- We cooperate with other universities that share their courses and seminars with our students. The possibility to continue one's education starts from the moment you enroll!
- Internship and volunteer opportunities at the International Center for research on the Phenomenon of Solidarity give students a chance to work closer with our staff and practice philosophy in real-time.
Open Lectures
An Open Lecture in progress with Rev. prof. Władysław Zuziak
"Open Lectures" is a regular series, held throughout each semester. The lectures are hosted on the Webex platform, which enables guests from around the world to join our academic community...even if just for two hours. The lectures occur a minimum of three times per semester, usually last between 30-45 minutes, and are followed by a Q&A session. The discussed topics have ranged from Nietsche's Gay Science to Business Ethics...and everything in between! Aristotle said "To learn is a natural pleasure, not confined to philosophers, but common to all men." Keeping this in mind, we invite you to regularly check our website and social media pages to stay informed so you don't miss a single event.
Open Lectures from the last three years
Ready to join us for studies in Philosophy? Recruitment is ongoing! Send us an email at recruitment@upjp2.edu.pl and begin the intellectual adventure of a lifetime today!
Would you like to keep up with the Ponitical University's studies in English? We have an active presence on social media and invite you to:
(artistic interpretation of the mythological Minerva recalling her owl at the close of a civilization)