Introduction to Philosophy Course from Coursera

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It involves critical thinking, logical analysis, and systematic presentation of arguments. Philosophy is divided into several branches, each addressing different kinds of questions and employing various methods.

Philosophy has ancient roots, with early contributions from Eastern and Western traditions. Key figures include:

  • Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle (Ancient Greece): Pioneers of Western philosophy, exploring ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology.
  • Confucius and Laozi (Ancient China): Founders of Confucianism and Daoism, focusing on ethics, society, and the natural world.

Skills you will gain

Students taking an Introduction to Philosophy course will:

  • Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Learn to analyze arguments, identify logical fallacies, and construct coherent arguments.
  • Understand Key Philosophical Concepts: Gain familiarity with central ideas in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and other branches.
  • Appreciate Historical Context: Understand the historical development of philosophical ideas and their impact on contemporary thought.
  • Apply Philosophical Methods: Use philosophical methods to address complex questions in various fields.
  • Engage with Diverse Perspectives: Explore and critically evaluate diverse philosophical perspectives and traditions

What you will learn

Understanding Philosophy
We will begin by examining the nature of philosophy itself—its aims, methods, and how it distinguishes itself from other disciplines. By gaining a deeper understanding of philosophy’s unique approach to inquiry, we can better appreciate its significance in addressing profound questions about the world and our place in it.
Exploring Key Topics
Throughout the course, we will explore a range of topics, including:

  1. Epistemology: What is knowledge? How do we acquire it? We’ll investigate the nature and scope of human knowledge and explore different theories of justification.
  2. Philosophy of Science: Dive into foundational conceptual issues in scientific research and practice, examining topics such as scientific realism, the nature of scientific explanation, and the role of observation and experimentation.
  3. Philosophy of Mind: Explore questions surrounding consciousness, cognition, and the nature of mental states. We’ll ponder what it means for something to possess a mind and how minds are understood and explained.
  4. Political Philosophy: Delve into the ethical foundations of political authority and obligation. Do we have a moral duty to obey the law? What principles should govern our social and political institutions?
  5. Moral Philosophy: Reflect on the nature of morality and ethical judgment. Are moral truths objective, or are they merely subjective preferences shaped by culture and upbringing?
  6. Metaphysics: Engage with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, including the nature of free will and the concept of reality itself.

Course Resources
To complement your learning experience, we are excited to offer a tie-in book from Routledge titled “Philosophy for Everyone.” Written by the Edinburgh Philosophy team specifically for MOOC students, this book provides clear and user-friendly chapters, summaries, glossaries, study questions, and suggestions for further reading. Be sure to check out the “Optional Reading” page for more information.
Conclusion
As we embark on this journey through contemporary philosophy, we encourage you to approach the material with an open mind and a willingness to engage deeply with the questions and ideas presented. By the end of this course, we hope you will have gained valuable insights into some of the most pressing philosophical issues of our time. Let’s dive in and explore the richness of philosophical thought together!