A taste of philosophy

Have you ever wondered what philosophy is? What do philosophers talk about? Can they tell you the meaning of life or is it just jargon and navel-gazing? Why not come along and find out?

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Key course information

Dates
21/04/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP023

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

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Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course is designed for those who wish to discover the practical purposes of philosophy. We explore how philosophy can act as a critical tool and as a means of analysing everyday concepts - justice, truth, love, good, evil etc.

What topics will we cover?

The course covers a brief history of the origins of philosophy. Thales and the pre-Socrates, the socratic (dialectical) method, Plato`s analogy of the cave, the continuum between thought and practice. Distinguishing facts and concepts. Analysis by necessary and sufficient conditions, analysis in terms of criteria. Early ethical doctrines in Plato and Aristotle.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- analyse an abstract concept using the Socratic method
- give an example of how thought is continuous with practice
- distinguish between Socratic and Sophistic ways of arguing
- construct your own simple philosophical argument in the style of Plato.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a general introductory course and no prior knowledge is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teaching methods will include verbal exposition, whiteboard, small group activities, worksheets, discussion, Q&A, role-play, timed written questions and video clips.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None.
Handouts of relevant texts will be provided. Bring pen/pencil and notebook.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. There will be no formal assessment. You should be prepared to take part in the class discussion.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
21/04/12	Sat	10:30 - 16:30	1 weeks	£37	£23	£11	HP023	Available	» Select
15/10/11	Sat	10:30 - 16:30	1 weeks	£37	£23	£11	HP051	Finished	» Select
04/02/12	Sat	10:30 - 16:30	1 weeks	£37	£23	N/A	HP042	Finished	» Select