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

4.7
stars
9,668 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. This course is also available with captions in Chinese: https://www.coursera.org/learn/zhexue-daolun Learners can apply for Financial Aid directly with Coursera to assist with the cost of accessing the full course and gaining a certificate for successfully completing the course....

Top reviews

EG

May 13, 2020

Clear, complete, rigorous, user friendly, open to different levels of engagement, great and wide extra materials and peer discussion, covers the Big Questions and the mains ways to focus them.

SD

Jul 3, 2019

This course is my first ever serious attempt to know Philosophy and it has been an excellent opportunity to know about different facets of modern Philosophy. I am curious to know more now! Thanks!

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976 - 1000 of 2,273 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By Olga I

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Feb 24, 2019

Awesome course, lots of interesting information. Thank you very much!

By Holly L

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Sep 12, 2017

It's an informative and engaging course for anyone new to Philosophy.

By Felipe T

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Dec 2, 2015

Great introduction to the way of doing philosphy. Highly recommended!

By SANDRA L T L

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Sep 20, 2024

Súper interesante y excelente materia de Introducción a la Filosofía

By José E P C

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Dec 13, 2023

Excelente curso, muy completo y entendible para todo nivel academico

By Claudia Y F E

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Aug 20, 2020

Wonderful teachers, a wonderful space for reflection and speculation

By Ricardo M B

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Jun 3, 2020

It is an excellent introductory course to improve critical thinking.

By amin s

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May 6, 2020

One of the most beautiful and challenging course I have come across.

By Nicola S

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Apr 13, 2020

Amazing course. I really learnt a lot. Thanks Coursera and the team,

By Eliane S

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Feb 18, 2017

wonderful course. very interesting and thought provoking, thank you!

By Corey C

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Sep 27, 2015

Excellent instructors and interesting materials make this a delight!

By Norberto M F

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Aug 15, 2015

Excelent group of teachers that makes things very, very interesting!

By Israel V G

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Aug 26, 2023

Muy bueno y recomendable para introducirse al mundo de la filosofía

By Pavel O

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Jun 4, 2023

Good intro into to Philosophy with number of modern ideas discussed

By Ralitsa P

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Dec 18, 2020

Really interesting and very challenging introduction to philosophy!

By Omar U C

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Apr 22, 2020

excellent information and excellent teachers. thanks for everything

By Ashraf E

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Apr 16, 2020

Very enlightening. Opened my eyes to a whole new world of thinking.

By Deleted A

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Apr 10, 2019

A really good introduction to Philosophy. I enjoyed a lot learning!

By Icyikunze J B

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Mar 28, 2025

This course is very importance to my education development career.

By Maksim T

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Jun 14, 2024

Great intro to the topic with interesting and meaningful examples!

By Mili F

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Apr 12, 2021

He aprendido mucho desde que estoy en el curso es muy interesante.

By Chyavan M C

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Jul 15, 2020

Introduced me to a lot of new perspectives! Perfect for a beginner

By la n

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Apr 15, 2020

I personal love philosophy on that the certificate is a non-credit

By Fion S

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Aug 2, 2016

Awesome experience for me, awesome handouts and awesome lecturers!

By Kerry A S

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Dec 22, 2023

Excellent course. Very very challenging but thoroughly enjoyable.