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

4.7
stars
9,093 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 2,120 Reviews for Introduction to 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!

By Bartolome M

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Sep 22, 2016

Its a great course. I am happy to learn more philosopy for my activity of professor.

By Brandon L

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Feb 21, 2021

Wonderful professors and learned so much about the interesting types of philosophy.

By Chris G

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Oct 18, 2020

Great course, thanks a lot! I enjoyed the multiple professors for various chapters.

By Ola K

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Nov 27, 2016

This course gave me a basic academic knowledge of my favourite subject, philosophy.

By Marisan v d B

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Sep 8, 2022

Loved every bit of this course. So glad this was the first course I started with!

By 20-IT-054 M A G

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May 18, 2021

Teachers were truly exceptional as they made topics very clear and understandable.

By Rajani N

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Sep 22, 2020

Enjoyed learning this course. Great help from Instructors.

Thank You

Rajani Neupane

By Rolip S

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May 19, 2020

I learn a lot about brain and computer, this course has many resources that I need

By navem

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May 1, 2020

Very good, I’m grateful to the faculties and for the provided material. Thank you.

By Hong J

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Jun 23, 2017

Very clear, well-structured introductory course to Philosophy. Highly recommended!

By Jade D

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Oct 2, 2016

A wonderful brief journey to the wonder of philosophy. I am glad I took the course

By Gabriel J V d S

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Aug 4, 2020

Fantastic! Thanks for introducing me to so many interesting themes on philosophy!

By Jack G

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Feb 6, 2017

Very good and interesting course, esp. time travel and political obligation units

By Julio P P

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May 30, 2023

Estupendo curso introductorio sobre cuestiones filosóficas básicas (y no tanto).

By Ciprian A

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Jan 17, 2022

Excellent overview of the issues and ideas from the major branches of philosophy

By David M

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Oct 21, 2020

Excellent course! I really loved every minute and the deep dive into this topic.

By César A M

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May 12, 2020

Un buen punto de partida para aprender de filosofía dirigido a los no iniciados.

By Utkarsh J

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Apr 12, 2020

My first take on the subject, surely something I would like to study more about!

By Robert C C

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Feb 27, 2019

I really enjoyed the course. The instructors all did a wonderful job with their