A taste of philosophy
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 26 Jul 2025End Date: 26 Jul 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30OnlineFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
- Start Date: 13 Sep 2025End Date: 13 Sep 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30In PersonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
- Start Date: 06 Dec 2025End Date: 06 Dec 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30OnlineFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre 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.
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?
You may wish to join our Introduction to philosophy (HP004) Introduction to moral philosophy (HP012), Introduction to political philosophy (HP110), or Phenomenology: an introduction (HP054) all running from September 2025. To check all the philosophy courses on offer, please go to our website www.citylit.ac.uk.
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.
