Themes in Western Philosophy

Course Title: Themes in Western Philosophy

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Week and Session Title

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

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

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

4.Politics: The relationship between people and states; laws, disobedience and rights

5. Philosophy of Religion: Does God(s) exist? What is religious belief? Faith, knowledge and truth

6. Aesthetics and Art: What is art? What is beauty? How do we judge?

7. How to be Good? Why be good? Judging by rules vs. judging by consequences

8. Philosophy of Science: What is the scientific method? Is science about truth? How is it different from non-science?

9. Metaphilosophy: What is philosophy for? How is it to be done? Is it a doomed (imperialist) project?

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

Course Overview

In this course we will explore some of the more fundamental problems philosophers have tried to address, from the question “What is a good life?” to “Does the world really exist?”

Over ten sessions, the tutor will examine how some of the greatest thinkers in the Western philosophical tradition—from Plato to de Beauvoir and beyond—have sought to raise and answer the questions they believed to be of lasting importance to human understanding.

We will consider the rivalries and one-upmanship of philosophers across time, and how philosophy itself has evolved over nearly 3,000 years. Core questions explored include:

• What is a good life?

• Does the world really exist?

• How do individuals relate to society?

• Does God exist, and does it matter?

• Is there such a thing as good and evil?

• What is freedom?

• Why have women been excluded from the philosophical canon?

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate understanding of several major themes and debates in both classical and contemporary Western philosophy.

• Understand the basic methods used in philosophy and how philosophers reach their conclusions.

• Identify how philosophical issues and methods impact on 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 of the subject matter. 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.