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

4.7
stars
9,483 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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2001 - 2025 of 2,224 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

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 18, 2015

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

By Shahjahan B

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Aug 17, 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.

By Mery H

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Feb 18, 2019

totally recommendable, of course, innovative concepts, very professional.

By Alejandro R

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Dec 10, 2016

It was amazing, It contained the basics of a very wide area of knowledge

By Luis E S

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Aug 2, 2016

muy interesante, me gusta como ha sido estructurado... felictaciones....

By Emmanuel

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Jun 18, 2020

This course is awesome indeed, albeit it's kind of abstract at the end.

By Shubhangi S

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May 15, 2020

A course which provides knowledge and has importance in day to day life

By Matthew T

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Feb 6, 2025

Super intriguing and worth the time each day to think about thinking!!

By Jared E

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Jun 16, 2018

I think it's a bit basic, but on the other hand it is an introduction.

By Fernando C A

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Aug 17, 2015

Tiene una buena estructura de temas. Los profesores explican muy bien.

By Amruth B

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Jun 29, 2020

A real amazing journey into philosophy. A very well structured course

By Rafael S T V

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Sep 23, 2015

The certificate is paid. It should offer a free version of some kind.

By Cornelius B

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Aug 30, 2020

Great course to get the hang on a number of philosophical questions.

By Chirag L

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Sep 14, 2015

This is course is actually informational and interesting...Thnak you

By Kah X L

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Apr 23, 2021

A little bit hard for the beginner.

Overall, it is very informative.

By Dan C

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Jul 11, 2020

I enjoyed the variety of people presenting lectures in this series.

By Ottzen

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Feb 3, 2017

My English and thought process was challenged, and I enjoyed it :-)

By Rakheeb T

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Aug 4, 2020

THE COURSE WAS VERY USEFUL TO MAKE SOME CLARITY ABOUT THE BASICS

By Raj T

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May 11, 2020

Philosophy is the master of all things , we just have to think

By Onthusitse K

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Sep 1, 2022

I have enjoyed every minute of my lessons and learned a lot.