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

4.7
stars
9,389 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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826 - 850 of 2,197 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By Andrea B

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Aug 15, 2018

nice, wide introduction. great way to stimulate curiosity and prompt to further research

By Xiaoyu Z

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Oct 29, 2017

The content of this course is deep and broad enough and the lectures are in high quality

By Deleted A

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Sep 17, 2016

Very memorable and very educational. I learned more about the topic with these modules.

By Andres L L

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Nov 10, 2015

An excellent course that makes you ask and answer really important questions about life.

By Corey H

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Sep 17, 2021

Nice course that briefly covers many different issues that are discussed in Philosophy.

By Bryan S Q M

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Oct 16, 2020

It is a great course; it makes you understand pretty complex ideas in a digestible way.

By Jittaphisudth K

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May 9, 2020

I really enjoy this class. Thank you for the lessons. I have learn many thing from this

By Muhammad A N

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May 2, 2020

The course is excellent; relevant content, informative lectures and extensive readings.

By Juan T

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Jan 2, 2019

A very interesting introduction with diverse topics which impulse you to keep studying.

By Ilya S

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May 21, 2017

Some classes are really tricky and require better explanation (ex: Minds and computers)

By Iulian M

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Apr 23, 2016

Very good information, thank you so much for all experience gained through this course.

By Ricardo F

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Oct 13, 2015

An updated perspective of the main topics of Philosophy. Rich enough to understand it.

By VERONICA V V

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Jan 31, 2023

Me encantó la manera de explicar los temas por parte de los profesores.

Muchas gracias.

By Maulik P

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Sep 22, 2020

Very well planned course which introduces to various schools to thought in Philosophy.

By Scott G

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Jun 26, 2020

Awesome course. I love philosophy but still learned a bit in this introductory course.

By Andrew D

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Feb 22, 2016

i love the art the love and all thee harmony in this picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ralph H

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Nov 19, 2023

Good content, very well presented in a way that maintains interest. Excellent course.

By Sumit S

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Mar 2, 2022

This couse helped me alot, Huge thanks to all the instructors. God bless you guys. <3

By Ruthuparna K

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Jul 29, 2020

It was fun, concise and gave a peek into all the different disciplines of philosophy.

By Anuradha J

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Apr 10, 2017

Very good and informative course. I enjoyed being forced to think outside the box :)

By Roberto P P C

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Nov 27, 2016

Excelente curso. Muy completo a la vez que didáctico y cercano. ¡Saludos desde Chile!

By Brian G

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Jul 16, 2022

Excellent way to dip your toe in the water and decide if you want to go for a swim.

By Eric

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May 19, 2020

Great whirlwind introduction to central problems in philosophy. Very well presented.

By P.Y. L

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Apr 8, 2020

This being my first course inspires me to continue learning online and continuously!