Explore the ideas of major philosophers from Plato to Sartre. How does Western philosophy differ from religion and science? What problems have the great philosophers tried to solve? .
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This course introduces and explores the ideas of some of the most important figures in the history of Western philosophy. It is an ideal follow-up to last term's Introduction to Philosophy (HP004).
What will we cover?
A broad range of philosophers will be covered, including Plato, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Marx, and Sartre.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- identify the distinctive ideas of the philosophers covered on the course - explain the problems that occupied these philosophers - explain and assess their basic solutions
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course complements the Introduction to Philosophy course (HP004) and is an ideal follow-on. An enthusiasm for learning as well as an 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. You should be prepared to discuss this reading in class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is based on Jostein Gaarder’s ‘Sophie’s World’, a fantastic part-novel, part-introduction to the history of Western Philosophy. Each class will focus on one or two chapters, 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?
A copy of Jostein Gaarder’s ‘Sophie’s World’.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to consider Philosophy and the Meaning of Life (HP006), which runs in the evening online starting in April. For other philosophy courses on offer, please check our website at www.citylit.ac.uk.
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.
product
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What problems have the great philosophers tried to solve?<br/>.</p>002629497The great philosophers309309https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/pre-socratic-philosophers-HP125-1024.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetStarted: last chance to book11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-01-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP002309309The great philosophers309201309Karl Whitethe-great-philosophers/hp002-2526<p>Explore the ideas of major philosophers from Plato to Sartre. How does Western philosophy differ from religion and science? What problems have the great philosophers tried to solve?<br/>.</p>0010-StartedAvailable|2026-01-12 00:00:00<p>This course introduces and explores the ideas of some of the most important figures in the history of Western philosophy. It is an ideal follow-up to last term's Introduction to Philosophy (HP004).</p><p>Explore the ideas of major philosophers from Plato to Sartre. How does Western philosophy differ from religion and science? What problems have the great philosophers tried to solve?<br/>.</p>A broad range of philosophers will be covered, including Plato, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Marx, and Sartre.<p>- identify the distinctive ideas of the philosophers covered on the course<br/>- explain the problems that occupied these philosophers<br/>- explain and assess their basic solutions</p><p>The course complements the Introduction to Philosophy course (HP004) and is an ideal follow-on. An enthusiasm for learning as well as an 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. You should be prepared to discuss this reading in class.</p>The course is based on Jostein Gaarder’s ‘Sophie’s World’, a fantastic part-novel, part-introduction to the history of Western Philosophy. Each class will focus on one or two chapters, 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.A copy of Jostein Gaarder’s ‘Sophie’s World’.You may wish to consider Philosophy and the Meaning of Life (HP006), which runs in the evening online starting in April. For other philosophy courses on offer, please check our website at www.citylit.ac.uk.Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual309309201HP002NONEMon12/01/26 - 30/03/2617:30 - 19:3017:3019:3012 sessions (over 12 weeks)1211 weeks or longerEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetKarl WhiteBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allStarted: last chance to book2026-01-12T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2026Culture, history & humanities309309The great philosophersthe-great-philosophers/hp002-2526<p>Explore the ideas of major philosophers from Plato to Sartre. How does Western philosophy differ from religion and science? What problems have the great philosophers tried to solve?<br/>.</p>0010-StartedAvailable|2026-01-12 00:00:00<p>This course introduces and explores the ideas of some of the most important figures in the history of Western philosophy. It is an ideal follow-up to last term's Introduction to Philosophy (HP004).</p><p>Explore the ideas of major philosophers from Plato to Sartre. How does Western philosophy differ from religion and science? What problems have the great philosophers tried to solve?<br/>.</p>A broad range of philosophers will be covered, including Plato, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Marx, and Sartre.<p>- identify the distinctive ideas of the philosophers covered on the course<br/>- explain the problems that occupied these philosophers<br/>- explain and assess their basic solutions</p><p>The course complements the Introduction to Philosophy course (HP004) and is an ideal follow-on. An enthusiasm for learning as well as an 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. You should be prepared to discuss this reading in class.</p>The course is based on Jostein Gaarder’s ‘Sophie’s World’, a fantastic part-novel, part-introduction to the history of Western Philosophy. Each class will focus on one or two chapters, 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.A copy of Jostein Gaarder’s ‘Sophie’s World’.You may wish to consider Philosophy and the Meaning of Life (HP006), which runs in the evening online starting in April. For other philosophy courses on offer, please check our website at www.citylit.ac.uk.Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
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