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

4.7
stars
9,659 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...

Top reviews

AE

Jan 5, 2022

It is a great curse to beging in the area of philosophy, it shares a few of the major questions of philosophy from it´s origins from diverse point of views, and the professors are remarkable.

RT

Dec 7, 2022

Very informative and enjoyable. Pitched at the right level for beginners. Provided an appropriate level of challenge. Also plenty of further reading links available at the end of each module.

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776 - 800 of 2,271 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By Richard D V

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Jul 16, 2020

It is a great course on philosophy. Kinda bulky for lectures and discussion but worth it. Thanks.

By Riad K

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Jul 10, 2020

Very nice, straightforward course that gives a good introduction to several philosophical topics.

By Rodrigo V

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Jun 10, 2020

Excellent course, I learned new things about philosophy and new doctrines about morality, freedom

By KH. L

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Apr 9, 2020

truly being -minded involves some tricky mental work (all theories in this course open my mind !)

By Lily R

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Oct 25, 2019

I really enjoyed this course. It was really interesting - and not too time consuming!!

Thank You!!

By emmanuel d

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May 7, 2019

This course provides a better overview on philosophy and in turn helps you to think about things.

By Jhonathan S D C

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Oct 8, 2016

es un excelente curso con muy buenos profesores. La forma de enseñar es muy didáctica y creativa.

By john c

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Nov 30, 2015

Thank you for a thoughtful and extremely well presented and absorbing introduction to philosophy.

By Bárbara M V

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Sep 27, 2015

I loved it. It blew up my mind more than once; plus, the teacher of the last week is really cool.

By Jort P

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Jun 6, 2025

Loved to reengage with a subject I adored in High School, but lost on my way through med school.

By Al B P

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May 4, 2020

very good and interactive course. recommended as a starter for those who interest in philosophy.

By Dr. M N K

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Feb 16, 2016

It is really a good place to start orienting oneself with the scholarly tradition of philosophy.

By Juan C G

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Feb 14, 2025

I really enjoyed this course. Great material and explanation of diverse philosophical concepts.

By Filippos S

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Aug 4, 2024

An incredible introduction to the basics of some philosophical fields. I enjoyed it thoroughly!

By Rodolfo G P

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Jul 21, 2020

Excelente curso. Muy buenos profesores, explican con claridad y buenos ejemplos.

Muchas gracias.

By Fabian I T

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Apr 16, 2019

muy dinámico, fue una de las experiencias de las mejores como para introducirme en esta ciencia

By Yuping Y

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Jul 1, 2017

This course is very informative and each lesson discuss a totally different topic, with trying!

By Joseluis P G

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Jun 1, 2017

Great professor and delightful way to make appear easy, difficult issues and matters. Thanks !

By Alba Z

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May 29, 2017

very interesting and all the professors explained the theories to a quite understandable level!

By Antonio D J B Q

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Nov 22, 2015

Was a great experience, I learned more about Philosophy and I developed more knowledge, Thanks!

By Catherine S M

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Sep 28, 2020

i learn alot and its just and introduction, involves you alot and made you want to learn more.

By JERRY C J

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Aug 3, 2020

It was really good and very much informative within this short time limit.Thank You very much!

By Robert A H

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Jul 24, 2020

Good introductory subjects, well presented videos and further reading lists to continue study.

By vincent i

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Apr 2, 2019

I really enjoyed learning very much. Very good lecture indeed. 5 star you deserve. Thank you.