An Introduction to the Classic Trio of British Empiricists: Locke, Berkeley and Hume
Join this course and discover the work of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism; George Berkeley and his famous view on perception; and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.
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.
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.
The course provides an introduction to the primary theories of British empiricism, focusing on the rejection of innate ideas. Participants will embark on a discovery journey of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism, George Berkeley and his famous view on perception, and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.
What will we cover?
By learning specific aspects of each philosopher, learners will engage in critical debates and evaluative comparisons between the thinkers. Throughout the course, we will navigate through intricate ideas about knowledge and reality, expanding our intellectual horizons to a variety of systems of ideas. We will utilise interactive activities and multimedia learning resources.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• a clear understanding of the origin of the theory of empiricism. • a clear understanding of Locke’s main points on empiricism (Tabula rasa), Berkely’s formulation of perception (Esse est percipi) and Hume’s idea that matters of fact are the only foundation of genuine knowledge. • Development of specialised terminology and philosophical language relevant to the course, critical thinking skills, analytical rigour and discussion skills.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course accommodates both beginners and individuals with prior exposure to philosophy. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill. The goal of the course is to cultivate fundamental linguistic and analytical skills essential for fostering critical discourse and a clear comprehension of philosophical concepts and theories.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each lesson will include interactive activities and discussion, multimedia stimuli from power point (videos, pictures) and a selection of reading to complete in class or at home (to be used as a starter the following lesson).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You may wish to bring a notebook to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please check City Lit's website for up-to-date information about forthcoming philosophy courses.
You might be interested in Cristina's other courses: HP298Why Thales made water the fundamental substance underlying all things; HP274Hippocrates of Kos: between science and myth; HP249JS Mill's 'On Liberty': an ode to intellectual curiosity, tolerance and open-mindedness
Cristina holds two Honours Degrees in Philosophy and Science of Education with History. She worked as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Cagliari in Italy, focussing on classical and modern European and Asian philosophy with a particular emphasis on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy. She moved to the UK in 1994 and taught at universities, adult education institutions, and secondary schools, as well as successfully assumed leadership roles, including that of a head of department. In addition to teaching at City Lit, Cristina is the coordinator of Italian at Imperial College. Her teaching style is engaging and transformative, characterised by interactive strategies tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles. Cristina’s commitment to incorporate human rights into the fabric of her teachings symbolises her conviction in the practical implications of philosophical theories and her belief in the real-world implications of philosophical ideas. For Cristina philosophy isn't just an academic pursuit, it is a means to foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/an-introduction-to-the-classic-trio-of-british-empiricists-locke-berkeley-and-hume3056143An Introduction to the Classic Trio of British Empiricists: Locke, Berkeley and Humehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/p/hp258.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy22851177140415791228511771404Join this course and discover the work of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism; George Berkeley and his famous view on perception; and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.003056110An Introduction to the Classic Trio of British Empiricists: Locke, Berkeley and Hume239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/p/hp258_1.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP258239239An Introduction to the Classic Trio of British Empiricists: Locke, Berkeley and Hume191155239Cristina Paternoan-introduction-to-the-classic-trio-of-british-empiricists-locke-berkeley-and-hume/hp258-2627Join this course and discover the work of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism; George Berkeley and his famous view on perception; and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.0000-Available|2026-10-07 00:00:00The course provides an introduction to the primary theories of British empiricism, focusing on the rejection of innate ideas. Participants will embark on a discovery journey of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism, George Berkeley and his famous view on perception, and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.Join this course and discover the work of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism; George Berkeley and his famous view on perception; and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.By learning specific aspects of each philosopher, learners will engage in critical debates and evaluative comparisons between the thinkers. Throughout the course, we will navigate through intricate ideas about knowledge and reality, expanding our intellectual horizons to a variety of systems of ideas. We will utilise interactive activities and multimedia learning resources.• a clear understanding of the origin of the theory of empiricism.<br>• a clear understanding of Locke’s main points on empiricism (Tabula rasa), Berkely’s formulation of perception (Esse est percipi) and Hume’s idea that matters of fact are the only foundation of genuine knowledge.<br>• Development of specialised terminology and philosophical language relevant to the course, critical thinking skills, analytical rigour and discussion skills.This course accommodates both beginners and individuals with prior exposure to philosophy. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill. The goal of the course is to cultivate fundamental linguistic and analytical skills essential for fostering critical discourse and a clear comprehension of philosophical concepts and theories.Each lesson will include interactive activities and discussion, multimedia stimuli from power point (videos, pictures) and a selection of reading to complete in class or at home (to be used as a starter the following lesson).No other costs. You may wish to bring a notebook to take notes.<p>Please check City Lit's website for up-to-date information about forthcoming philosophy courses.</p><p>You might be interested in Cristina's other courses: HP298Why Thales made water the fundamental substance underlying all things; HP274Hippocrates of Kos: between science and myth; HP249JS Mill's 'On Liberty': an ode to intellectual curiosity, tolerance and open-mindedness</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual191239155HP258NONEWed07/10/26 - 25/11/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:458 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetCristina PaternoBeginnersAvailable courses2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities239239An Introduction to the Classic Trio of British Empiricists: Locke, Berkeley and Humean-introduction-to-the-classic-trio-of-british-empiricists-locke-berkeley-and-hume/hp258-2627Join this course and discover the work of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism; George Berkeley and his famous view on perception; and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.0000-Available|2026-10-07 00:00:00The course provides an introduction to the primary theories of British empiricism, focusing on the rejection of innate ideas. Participants will embark on a discovery journey of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism, George Berkeley and his famous view on perception, and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.Join this course and discover the work of John Locke, the founder of British Empiricism; George Berkeley and his famous view on perception; and David Hume’s fork of ‘relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'.By learning specific aspects of each philosopher, learners will engage in critical debates and evaluative comparisons between the thinkers. Throughout the course, we will navigate through intricate ideas about knowledge and reality, expanding our intellectual horizons to a variety of systems of ideas. We will utilise interactive activities and multimedia learning resources.• a clear understanding of the origin of the theory of empiricism.<br>• a clear understanding of Locke’s main points on empiricism (Tabula rasa), Berkely’s formulation of perception (Esse est percipi) and Hume’s idea that matters of fact are the only foundation of genuine knowledge.<br>• Development of specialised terminology and philosophical language relevant to the course, critical thinking skills, analytical rigour and discussion skills.This course accommodates both beginners and individuals with prior exposure to philosophy. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill. The goal of the course is to cultivate fundamental linguistic and analytical skills essential for fostering critical discourse and a clear comprehension of philosophical concepts and theories.Each lesson will include interactive activities and discussion, multimedia stimuli from power point (videos, pictures) and a selection of reading to complete in class or at home (to be used as a starter the following lesson).No other costs. You may wish to bring a notebook to take notes.<p>Please check City Lit's website for up-to-date information about forthcoming philosophy courses.</p><p>You might be interested in Cristina's other courses: HP298Why Thales made water the fundamental substance underlying all things; HP274Hippocrates of Kos: between science and myth; HP249JS Mill's 'On Liberty': an ode to intellectual curiosity, tolerance and open-mindedness</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
15791404Philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/philosophy1/2/285/1177/1404/15791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy
