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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Philosophy by The University of Edinburgh

4.7
stars
9,668 ratings

About the Course

This course will introduce you to some of the main areas of research in contemporary philosophy. Each module a different philosopher will talk you through some of the most important questions and issues in their area of expertise. We’ll begin by trying to understand what philosophy is – what are its characteristic aims and methods, and how does it differ from other subjects? Then we’ll spend the rest of the course gaining an introductory overview of several different areas of philosophy. Topics you’ll learn about will include: Epistemology, where we’ll consider what our knowledge of the world and ourselves consists in, and how we come to have it; Philosophy of science, where we’ll investigate foundational conceptual issues in scientific research and practice; Philosophy of Mind, where we’ll ask questions about what it means for something to have a mind, and how minds should be understood and explained; Political Philosophy, where we'll investigate whether we have an obligation to obey the law; Moral Philosophy, where we’ll attempt to understand the nature of our moral judgements and reactions – whether they aim at some objective moral truth, or are mere personal or cultural preferences, and; Metaphysics, where we’ll think through some fundamental conceptual questions about free will and the nature of reality. The development of this MOOC has been led by the University of Edinburgh's Eidyn research centre. To accompany 'Introduction to Philosophy', we are pleased to announce a tie-in book from Routledge entitled 'Philosophy for Everyone'. This course companion to the 'Introduction to Philosophy' course was written by the Edinburgh Philosophy team expressly with the needs of MOOC students in mind. 'Philosophy for Everyone' contains clear and user-friendly chapters, chapter summaries, glossary, study questions, suggestions for further reading and guides to online resources. Please click "Start Here" and navigate to the "Optional Reading" page for more information. This course is also available with captions in Chinese: https://www.coursera.org/learn/zhexue-daolun Learners can apply for Financial Aid directly with Coursera to assist with the cost of accessing the full course and gaining a certificate for successfully completing the course....

Top reviews

NS

May 16, 2020

I enjoyed the course a bit. But in middle i got stuck for some lectures which were designed in a bit difficult way to understand. Otherwise the rest of the materials were great. Learnt a Lot!

MN

Feb 4, 2017

Actually I have enjoyed the course . I have learned about the problems were asked by previous philosophers and about how to think correctly by analyzing the prefaces to get logical results .

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876 - 900 of 2,273 Reviews for Introduction to Philosophy

By Elena P

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Jul 19, 2024

Very good course with the basics of philosophy. Lots of theory on different topics

By Marisan v d B

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Sep 8, 2022

Loved every bit of this course. So glad this was the first course I started with!

By 20-IT-054 M A G

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May 18, 2021

Teachers were truly exceptional as they made topics very clear and understandable.

By Rajani N

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Sep 22, 2020

Enjoyed learning this course. Great help from Instructors.

Thank You

Rajani Neupane

By M R S

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May 20, 2020

I learn a lot about brain and computer, this course has many resources that I need

By navem

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May 2, 2020

Very good, I’m grateful to the faculties and for the provided material. Thank you.

By Hong J

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Jun 23, 2017

Very clear, well-structured introductory course to Philosophy. Highly recommended!

By Jade D

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Oct 2, 2016

A wonderful brief journey to the wonder of philosophy. I am glad I took the course

By ROCIO V O

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Jun 8, 2025

El curso me parece interesante, sin embargo es difícil completarlo en poco tempo.

By Gabriel J V d S

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Aug 5, 2020

Fantastic! Thanks for introducing me to so many interesting themes on philosophy!

By Jack G

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Feb 7, 2017

Very good and interesting course, esp. time travel and political obligation units

By Agust S

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Oct 29, 2025

Excellent course - well organized and interesting lectures. Outstanding teachers

By Julio P P

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May 30, 2023

Estupendo curso introductorio sobre cuestiones filosóficas básicas (y no tanto).

By Ciprian A

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Jan 18, 2022

Excellent overview of the issues and ideas from the major branches of philosophy

By David M

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Oct 21, 2020

Excellent course! I really loved every minute and the deep dive into this topic.

By César A M

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May 13, 2020

Un buen punto de partida para aprender de filosofía dirigido a los no iniciados.

By Utkarsh J

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Apr 13, 2020

My first take on the subject, surely something I would like to study more about!

By Robert C

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Feb 28, 2019

I really enjoyed the course. The instructors all did a wonderful job with their

By chris m

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May 30, 2022

I loved, taking this course,It got me so intrested in the study of Philosophy

By Luísa C d F

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Apr 7, 2021

Interesting lessons, many topics divided into small sections. I really enjoyed!

By Saurabh K P

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Aug 13, 2020

It was amazing going through this course. It was designed very well. I loved it

By Helly M

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Feb 1, 2017

Really interesting course, led me to take a module in philosophy at University.

By Fernando S L

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Dec 5, 2016

Wonderful introduction to philosophy! Even Schopenhauer would be happy with it!

By David G

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Oct 11, 2016

Excellent introduction to the basics of philosophy. Lecturers are really good.

By Carlos J B N

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Sep 28, 2015

Two weeks until now and I can wait to see all topics left to discuss and learn.