Introduction to Philosophy

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge required.

Content of Course

1. Introduction
   What is philosophy? What are its origins? Why do we do it?

2. Epistemology
   What is knowledge? What can we know? How do we know things?

3. Philosophy of Mind
   What am I? Am I my mind or my body? What ensures my survival over time?

4. Philosophy of Religion
   Does God exist? What are the arguments for God’s existence? How can we account for evil in the world?

5. Metaphysics
   Do I have free will? Are all my actions determined by factors outside my control? Am I ever responsible for anything I do?

6. Moral Philosophy
   Should we be moral? Is right and wrong relative to culture? How do I know how to act?

7. Applied Ethics
   Is abortion wrong? Is there a difference between killing and letting die? Do animals have rights?

8. Political Philosophy
   Why do we live in societies? What rights do I have? What are my duties?

9. Aesthetics
   What is beauty? Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? What is art?

10. Existentialism
    Why are we here? Does life have meaning? How should I live?

Teaching method(s)

Combination of lectures and discussion.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic issues in philosophy, for example scepticism concerning knowledge;

• Identify the positions of some philosophers on these issues;

• Critically read examples of historical and contemporary philosophical texts;

• Analyse and assess philosophical arguments and the concepts that they employ;

• Convey ideas and arguments in a well-structured and coherent form.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential reading will be provided on a weekly basis, however, students would do well to avail themselves of a basic introductory text. The following are highly recommended:

• Blackburn, S. 2001. Think. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
• Nagel, T. 1987. What does it all mean? Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
• Warburton, N., 2012. Philosophy: the Basics, 5th ed., London: Routledge.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided on a weekly basis.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.