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

4.7
stars
9,455 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.

IH

Feb 21, 2023

I already had a Bachelor's in Philosophy degree. But, this course has the potential to comprehensively elaborate on the aspects that were lacking and that I was unable to comprehend in a unique way.

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1976 - 2000 of 2,215 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By jessica M L B

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Nov 6, 2022

it would of been better if every class had a printable transcript, as some did and some didnt.

By Lyn A

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Jun 23, 2017

Not really for absolute beginners like me, but it was very informative and easy to understand.

By Дубова Д Д

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May 17, 2020

i liked lectures and materials, but it's a pity that not in all lessons there is a handout((

By Maria i B

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Sep 23, 2022

La primera experiencia y realmente muy satisfecha con el compromiso y la seriedad acaméica

By Cid K

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Aug 31, 2020

Good course with plenty indication of additional resources if you would like to go further.

By 天决明

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Jun 4, 2017

课程内容不错，可是翻译真的是烂透了，我将机翻和翻译摆在一起完全没有违和感！极大部分还会重复两边！

在语言上浪费不少时间，不少内容是翻阅中文维基百科的资料了解的，因为不知道翻译说了什么。

By Jestor

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Sep 23, 2016

Interesting, and well worth my time... I only give it four stars as I am kinda stingy.. ;)

By Mygan A

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Mar 15, 2016

Very informative and engaging. Covers a wide range of material without feeling cumbersome.

By Etien K

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Jun 2, 2020

it an excellent course. i learn a lot about philosophy. and i will continue do my lecture

By Lynn D P

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Oct 28, 2015

I was very impressed by how the subject was broken down into digestible bits. Well done.

By dafna t

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Nov 1, 2019

Really great lectures on varying topics. The lessons were clear and easy to understand.

By Iwo L

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Jan 16, 2017

Never thought I would be interested in philosophy - that was the start of my adventure.

By Rongsentemsu

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Jun 27, 2018

Overall a really nice introduction to the subject of Philosophy for beginners like me.

By Lucas B

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Jan 19, 2023

Muy completo ! Para ser una introduccion, es bastante bueno. Saludos desde Argentina.

By Ravi K S

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Feb 18, 2020

Very crisp introduction to popular contemporary concepts in the world of Philosophy!!

By Steven R

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Jan 31, 2019

Muy satisfecho con el material de apoyo en el proceso de aprendizaje en la filosofía.

By Riggs S

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Jan 16, 2016

A good intro course to rewind an old knowledge or tu star up in this path of tought.

By David G

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Aug 31, 2020

quality of lecture varied a lot - some instructors were much better than others IMO

By Diana B F (

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May 19, 2019

great introduction to philosophy. The added value of the text proved very helpful.

By pooyan

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Dec 31, 2017

organized lectures. A good first step for people who are interested in philosophy

By Shaghayegh

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Dec 17, 2015

it was really nice to know somethings about philosophy specially in a simple way

By Shahjahan B

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Aug 16, 2015

Wonderful journey seeking ultimate truth. Young philosophers are great assets.

By Ahmed E A

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Apr 20, 2018

Very useful as intoductionary course for the subject , i highly recommend it

By Maartijn S

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Sep 4, 2017

Excellent course, really interesting and a great introduction to philosophy.

By Paridhi s

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Aug 21, 2020

Compels you to think more about the things we avoid thinking of normally.