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

4.7
stars
9,683 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

SS

Aug 8, 2020

Great course! Explained the basic concepts of philosophy in an extremely clear way. My thanks to all the professors for the lectures and for everyone responsible for this course to be available.

LT

Sep 2, 2015

I thoroughly enjoyed this course and find that it encouragingly sets some directions, and of course, raises my excitement for further study into some of the different fields of philosophy. Thank you.

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2126 - 2150 of 2,278 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By ESTHER M C

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Sep 20, 2023

muy ameno e interesante gracias

By Marianne L

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Oct 17, 2019

very interesting, I recommend !

By Josh K

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Jun 3, 2017

Simplistic but well explained.

By Dr. D R S

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Jun 10, 2020

Beautifully designed course.

By Satyam S

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Mar 27, 2021

This is a very good course.

By Stefanie K

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Jan 30, 2016

Very good, too short though

By Самойлов Д М

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Nov 19, 2025

super i feel myself coool!

By Rohit B

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Dec 18, 2020

Fun and interacting course

By ABHISHEK U

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May 30, 2020

It was really insightful.

By Charlotte O H

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Oct 10, 2022

Philosophy is confusing

By SUTHAHAR P

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May 22, 2020

Nice Mind Opening Course

By Marianela C

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Jan 4, 2024

This class was great!!

By ALI A B

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Apr 18, 2020

thanks for this course

By Paul M

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Aug 19, 2015

very enjoyable course

By Daipayan C

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Jan 12, 2017

it was a good course

By patu k

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Oct 1, 2024

Inspired to reflect

By SULAGNA S

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Apr 24, 2020

The course is good.

By Терефенко П Р

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Jan 15, 2017

Such a good course!

By Paul J

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Dec 23, 2016

Nice intro to topic

By Jagriti c

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Jun 29, 2021

Course was so good

By Mrunal D P

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May 4, 2020

Interesting course

By Juan F

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Aug 20, 2018

great for starters

By Yusuf S

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Jun 10, 2017

helpful and brief.

By Chris S

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Nov 11, 2016

Good Introduction!

By Swapnil M

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Sep 14, 2020

thank you so much