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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Philosophy by The University of Edinburgh

4.7
stars
9,388 ratings

About the Course

This course will introduce you to some of the main areas of research in contemporary philosophy. Each module a different philosopher will talk you through some of the most important questions and issues in their area of expertise. We’ll begin by trying to understand what philosophy is – what are its characteristic aims and methods, and how does it differ from other subjects? Then we’ll spend the rest of the course gaining an introductory overview of several different areas of philosophy. Topics you’ll learn about will include: Epistemology, where we’ll consider what our knowledge of the world and ourselves consists in, and how we come to have it; Philosophy of science, where we’ll investigate foundational conceptual issues in scientific research and practice; Philosophy of Mind, where we’ll ask questions about what it means for something to have a mind, and how minds should be understood and explained; Political Philosophy, where we'll investigate whether we have an obligation to obey the law; Moral Philosophy, where we’ll attempt to understand the nature of our moral judgements and reactions – whether they aim at some objective moral truth, or are mere personal or cultural preferences, and; Metaphysics, where we’ll think through some fundamental conceptual questions about free will and the nature of reality. The development of this MOOC has been led by the University of Edinburgh's Eidyn research centre. To accompany 'Introduction to Philosophy', we are pleased to announce a tie-in book from Routledge entitled 'Philosophy for Everyone'. This course companion to the 'Introduction to Philosophy' course was written by the Edinburgh Philosophy team expressly with the needs of MOOC students in mind. 'Philosophy for Everyone' contains clear and user-friendly chapters, chapter summaries, glossary, study questions, suggestions for further reading and guides to online resources. Please click "Start Here" and navigate to the "Optional Reading" page for more information....

Top reviews

LT

Sep 1, 2015

I thoroughly enjoyed this course and find that it encouragingly sets some directions, and of course, raises my excitement for further study into some of the different fields of philosophy. Thank you.

CC

Oct 7, 2015

Great explanations that is broken down with examples for understanding. Quizzes test for your understanding of the topic rather than just the textbook explanations. Challenging and thought revoking.

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576 - 600 of 2,197 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By JEREMIAH P M

Apr 6, 2020

The speakers were easy to understand. They were able to bring down their knowledge to those new to Philosophy such as me. Thank you.

By John P M

Dec 31, 2019

I loved this course and found it to be a superb introduction to philosophy. The format, course content and teachers were excellent!

By Naveena

Nov 8, 2019

This course gives a great start into the world of philosophy. Each instructor is articulate, and the content meets the expectations.

By Chloé G

Sep 1, 2019

Great course! Well-explained yet throughout introduction to a new subject and various interesting topics. Would recommend to anyone.

By JESUS R C N

Jun 5, 2023

I am very happy for this course; It makes me think and reflect on some situations of daily life from another perspective. thank you

By Nelson Y

Nov 14, 2020

FELICITACIONES

TIENEN ALTO NIVEL ACADEMICO

PERMITE CRECER INTELECTUALMENTE

SON CURSOS DE VANGUARDIA QUE AYUDAN MUCHO A LOS ESTUDIANTES

By Samira J

Aug 12, 2020

I think this course brilliantly illustrates each vital aspect of philosophy, and I will have to admit that I have taken away a lot!

By Carlos M

Jan 23, 2016

Excelente! Es una dicha poder acceder a la filosofía de una manera clara, simple, y sobretodo, para todo aquél estudiante buscador.

By Mashal A

Jul 6, 2024

Incredibly enlightening, wonderfully written by brilliant and enigmatic professors and taught with a pure passion for the subject.

By Víctor L

Mar 23, 2018

Terrific Course. Before it, I was really far from understanding what Philosophy was about. Now i'm a bit closer of what it is ...

By Jose E F

Aug 22, 2017

Very good course would like to have a superficial dive into metaphysics and logic. Great teachers very objective and explanatory!!

By Gabriel R

Sep 13, 2015

Really enjoyed the methodology and the subjects. For me that didn't know anything about the topic, it opened up a whole new world.

By JUAN M O R

Jun 14, 2023

teachers are well prepared and knowledgeable, i fell happy.

Congratulations from Torreón Coahuila, México

Juan Manuel Ordaz Ramírez

By thomas h

Jun 19, 2016

Brilliant course. Not a simple 'history of philosophy' this course jumps into some very interesting topics and engages you fully.

By Shaurya

Feb 17, 2022

A well curated course with quizes which accurately judges how well one has absorbed the information. Thank you uni of edinburgh!

By ESRA O

May 14, 2020

It's really a satisfying course for me.I enjoyed the topics and the lecturers summarized most of the complicated topics clearly.

By Subramanian V

Oct 4, 2015

Very good introductory course. Provides an overview of the different philosophical topics ranging from knowledge to time travel.

By Cailan S S

Apr 2, 2024

A excellent course, great and very intelligent teachers. One of the best intellectual investments so far, it added a lot to me!

By Ángel M

Mar 30, 2024

Excelente curso y exposición de los asesores. Gracias. Reciban saludos, desde una cominidad Rural del Estado de Oaxaca, México.

By Samuel G

Jun 19, 2022

Dynamic, very intuitive and interesting, great teachers and a methodological approach very well done, in short, a great course!

By Ravina A N

Jan 24, 2022

The material taught is easy to understand, learning in this course is very fun and enough to add basic insight into philosophy.

By Carlos Z

Jan 7, 2021

es un curso muy completo para tener una prespectiva diferente de como hercese preguntas sobre el mundo en que vivimos gracias

By Michalis O

Apr 30, 2017

Intriguing from the very first lecture to even all the internal and external assignments attached by the professors. Thank you!

By Oscar N C

Feb 24, 2023

Very grateful for the excellent didactics of the course that makes an introduction to philosophy in a basic, but rigorous way.

By Li T M

Sep 20, 2021

Philosophy always represents a mysterious subject for me, but in this course I have learned a great deal of the fundamentals.