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

4.7
stars
9,091 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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501 - 525 of 2,120 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By Alex H

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Oct 3, 2016

This courses is a nice broad though light introduction to a series of current topics in Philosophy, introduced by philosopher focused in those topics.

By Lama M

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Apr 13, 2017

Loved this course very much. The professors truly allowed the student to understand the material fully with a great amount of quiz's and assignments.

By Alejandro R P R

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Dec 10, 2021

i really appreciate the course but for economic reasons I haven't been able to get my certificate, is there a way to pay it in 3 months for example?

By Kyra R

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Oct 25, 2020

I learned immensely. It was a great introduction to the famous philosophers I have been hearing about. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

By Richard W

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May 9, 2020

An absolutely fascinating course. The amount of stimulating information packaged in such short sections is incredible. It has really made me think!

By Temchit C

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Oct 17, 2021

The Best of "Introduction to Philosophy" non-credit online course! I've learned a lot of things! from Greek to Free Will and Time Travel. So funny!

By Sandra W

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Aug 17, 2020

A great course for improving your powers of logic and understanding through the critical examinatiion of many Philosophical Theories and Arguments.

By Frank M N

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Mar 16, 2020

Absolutely wonderful! a broad introduction into many questions of philosophy. An excellent thoughtful companion for corona quarantine! I want more!

By Ednaldo C M G

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Aug 19, 2017

Ótimo curso introdutório à Filosofia, pois apresenta de forma didática e, ao mesmo tempo, rigorosa, os protocolos de leitura crítica comuns à área.

By Maxime H

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Dec 6, 2016

Great Mooc, apprendre une partie de l'histoire de la philosophie que je n'ai pas encore etudier. Les professeurs sont intéressant et passionnant !

By Jane

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Feb 17, 2023

Great fun to do. Stretches the mind and makes you realise how little you really know. Loved the time travel part and the brain in the vat part.

By Faith D A

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May 18, 2020

I will totally recommend the course to any one whose background in philosophy is lacking. And to anyone who wants to learn something interesting.

By Lynne T

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May 10, 2020

An absolutely excellent introductory course. Engaging and thoughtful facilitators and videos and well-structured assessments. Highly recommended.

By Marcelo C

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Jan 12, 2020

This is the 1st MOOC I have ever completed! It has engaging lessons with interesting subjects. I have really enjoyed taking this course. Thanks!

By Rahul K

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Aug 17, 2017

Great introduction to the breadth of philosophy. A great place to poke around if your considering any sort of fundamental knowledge on philosophy

By Zakiyya M

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Feb 28, 2016

It took me a long time due to time limitation but happy to finish. I learned a lot and love to go back and listen to the lessons again and again.

By REEM M N A

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Sep 29, 2022

Lot's of thanks for all stuff of Edinburgh University.The whole videos were exciting and the way of producing was provoke our thinking.

Regards

By Alexander B

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Feb 17, 2022

This Course the needs i wished to acquire.I recommend this course to anyone willing to expand their horizon and scope of thought intellectually

By eli e

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Aug 9, 2017

Excellent program to introduce several contemporary themes of philosophy, with a broad perspective but at the same time accessible and rigorous.

By Hamed K

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Dec 28, 2020

Good materials to obtain some familiarity with basic discussions in Philosophy. Specially the Determinism vs. Libertarianism topic outstanding.

By ARASH S S

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Dec 2, 2020

As a scientist without any experience in Modern philosophy, it was really a helpful course, helping me refresh my mind and it's way of thinking

By rajiv g

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Aug 25, 2020

Highly Informative, Clear Every General Aspect of Philosophy, Well-structured and hassle-free ! Everyone involved here deserve serious respect!

By Phil W

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Jul 11, 2019

A very good introduction. It gave me a good overview of the range of the subject and allowed me to see where I want to go with my studies next.

By Patrick K

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Jan 11, 2016

Great presentation of the history of philosophical thinking with a focus on how to find your way through competing and contradictory arguments.

By Alax K J

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Sep 18, 2015

I am learning a lot in the course and it's kind of interesting seeing the logic behind how we think, what we think, and how we perceive others.