Introduction to philosophy
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- Start Date: 15 Sep 2025End Date: 01 Dec 2025Mon (Evening): 17:30 - 19:30In PersonFull fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00
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What is the course about?
This course introduces and explores a range of core philosophical problems. It concentrates on problems rather than on philosophers, but students will also be introduced to some of the central figures in the history of philosophy.
What will we cover?
A range of topics will be covered, including the nature of knowledge, the mind-body problem, the meaning of words, free will and justice.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- explain a range of core philosophical problems
- explain some basic solutions to these problems.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous study of philosophy is required. An enthusiasm for learning as well as on open and critical 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 and will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course. On joining this course you should be able to read and comment upon extracts from a philosophical text.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is based on Thomas Nagel's What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press). Each class will focus on one chapter, and will consist of short lecture-style presentations, pair, group and class discussion. There will also be opportunity to participate in online forums to explore topics further.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Thomas Nagel's What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might like to enrol on the second of our evening introductory courses in philosophy, which begins in January: HP002: The great philosophers.
Karl White completed a Ph.D on the Romanian-French philosopher EM Cioran at King’s College London, having originally been educated at University College Cork. He has tutored students of all ages at university level in various areas such as Philosophy and Literature, Philosophy and Film, and Classical Civilisation. He has published work on Samuel Beckett and written educational works on Shakespeare. He believes in making philosophy accessible to people of all backgrounds and educational levels and promoting lively and open discussion in the shared journey of learning.
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.
