A taste of philosophy
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HP161
Choose a start date
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course is designed for those who wish to learn about the philosophical manner of thinking, and how to use philosophical texts. We will explore how philosophy is used to analyse concepts such as justice, freedom, and anything else that the would-be philosopher has in mind.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
What is it that philosophers do? A simple examination of the relation between thinking, concepts and reality. How to think about a concept such as 'justice' or 'freedom'. What a philosophical argument is, and some examples of philosophical arguments taken from diverse philosophical writings.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Analyse a concept in a philosophical fashion.
- Construct a simple philosophical argument on a topic of your own interest.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a general introductory course and no prior knowledge is required. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will run in a 'seminar' format with short tutor presentations followed by Q&A and open discussion. No outside work is required.
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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
To check the full range of philosophy courses on offer, please go to our website www.citylit.ac.uk.
Oliver holds a postgraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Oxford. Since graduating, he has taught a wide variety of courses to a broad range of students, from adults and children exploring the subject for the first time through to advanced undergraduates. His main areas of interest are the Philosophy of Mathematics, Metaphysics, the Philosophy of Language, and Logic. Recently, his research has focussed on developing medieval approaches to semantic paradoxes using modern mathematical methods. When Oliver’s not teaching or writing up papers, he’s either lost in a good book or somewhere deep in the English countryside.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
