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

4.7
stars
9,491 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 2, 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.

AR

Jul 6, 2017

I found this course incredibly stimulating. A wonderfully structured introduction to European philosophy. All modules well presented. How lucky we are to have learning like this at our fingertips.

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826 - 850 of 2,227 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By Kayleigh M P

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Mar 23, 2019

Amazing, thoroughly enjoyed this course! Can't think the University of Edinburgh enough!!

By Simone C

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Aug 11, 2022

a very nice overview that allows a student to evaluate what to choose as specialization.

By ALFREDO G S

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Feb 19, 2021

Very good course. I learnt about philosophy without having to read Aristoteles or Hegel.

By Jonathan G

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Jun 24, 2020

Some great content. Course book (purchased separately) is an excellent entry level text.

By �Shivam R

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Jun 21, 2020

Found a new horizon of opportunity for me!

One of the best course one can ever complete.

By Francis X S

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May 5, 2020

A wonderful course that provides just the right amount of challenge to keep one engaged.

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 Jackson S

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Feb 20, 2025

this platform is very helpful, I enjoyed and looking forward to learn more ...thank you

By Corey H

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Sep 18, 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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Feb 1, 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 27, 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