Introduction to Western Philosophy

Course Title: An Introduction to Western Philosophy

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 40

Session Titles

1. Introducing Philosophy and Plato

2. Metaphysics: What is Reality? What exists? How? Why? When?

3. Introducing Aristotle

4. Epistemology - What is knowledge? What are its limits and how do we come to know things?

5. Introducing Descartes

6. Philosophy of Mind - What is consciousness? Is there a Mind? If so how does it relate to the body?

7. Introducing Locke

8. Politics - The relationship between people and states; Laws, disobedience and rights

9. Introducing Hume

10. Philosophy of Religion - Does God(s) Exist? What is religious belief? Faith, knowledge and truth

11. Introducing Kant

12. Aesthetics and Art - What is art? What is beauty? How do we judge?

13. Introducing Nietzsche

14. How to be Good? Why Be Good? Judging by rules vs. judging by consequences

15. Introducing the American Pragmatists (James, Peirce and Dewey)

16. Philosophy of Science - What is Scientific Method? Is science about truth? How is it different to non-science?

17. Introducing Wittgenstein and de Beauvoir

18. Metaphilosophy: What is Philosophy For? How is it to be done? Is it a doomed (imperialist) project?

19. Introducing Heidegger and Existentialism

20. The Philosophy of the Future - The coming debates: Anthropocene, Post-human and the breakdown of our worlds

Course Overview

In this course our tutor will introduce us to the ideas, lives and social contexts of some of the greatest Western philosophers in human history. This will take us on a journey stretching back to the sixth century BC and coming forward to the present day.

Beginning with the idea of philosophy itself, and the changes in the definition of philosophy over the centuries, the course will focus on the works of a number of key historical and more contemporary philosophers. It will examine some of the key concepts philosophers have sought to address, their relationship to the societies in which they lived, and their influence on social thought and action, as well as their impact on subsequent thinkers.

Philosophers studied might range from Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, to Kant, Nietzsche and de Beauvoir, amongst others, and students will be encouraged to consider the work of historical and contemporary philosophers in light of their own experiences, and to address the question whether philosophy is still relevant in our lives today.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Understand a number of basic concepts in diverse branches of Western philosophy.
• Understand the basic methodology of key Western philosophers and how those philosophers reached the conclusions they came to.
• Identify aspects of Western philosophy that have impacted the wider world.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.