A History of Western Philosophy

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About The Course

In this 12-week course, students will journey through the rich tapestry of Western philosophy, starting from the foundational ideas of the Presocratic, moving through the classical thoughts of Plato and Aristotle, and delving into the intricate debates of mediaeval, rationalist, empiricist, and contemporary philosophers. Utilizing Philosophy and Philosophers: An Introduction to Western Philosophy by John Shand as the primary text, the course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the major tenets and evolutions of Western philosophical thought, preparing them for deeper academic explorations in the field.

Course Team

Dr Shoaib Ahmed Malik

(A scholar and Visiting Researcher at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham (UK))

AT A GLANCE

12 Live Online Sessions

Duration : 12+ Weeks

Saturday, 3PM - 4:30PM (London, UK)

Video Recordings Available

Access to Mobile App

Personalised Feedback

Digital Certificate

From £14.99/Month

(For 4 Months)

Enroll Now

Starts on 6th January 2024

Course Fee

Pay in Full: ~~£79.99~~ £59.99

Pay In 4 Installments: £14.99 per month

Registration Deadline:

5th January 2024

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Sessions

Module 1

1. Presocratic Greek Philosophy

● Introduction to the origins of Western philosophy.
● Exploration of key Presocratic thinkers like Heraclitus and Pythagoras.
● Discussion on the nature of reality and the cosmos.
● Examination of the shift from mythological to rational explanations.
● Insights into the Presocratic influence on subsequent philosophers.

Module 2

2. Classical Greek Philosophy

● Introduction to Plato and his theory of forms.
● Examination of Aristotle's metaphysics and ethics.
● Discussion on the Socratic method and its impact.
● Exploration of the Athenian Academy and Lyceum.
● Insights into the legacy of Greek thought on Western civilization.

Module 3

3. Medieval Philosophy

● Overview of the transition from ancient to medieval thought.
● Study of Augustine's fusion of Christianity with Platonism.
● Examination of Aquinas and his synthesis of Aristotelianism with theology.
● Discussion on the problem of universals with thinkers like Ockham.
● Exploration of the interplay between faith and reason.

Module 4

4. Rationalism

● Introduction to the rise of modern philosophy and rationalism.
● Examination of Descartes' method of doubt and cogito.
● Study of Spinoza's pantheism and ethics.
● Discussion on Leibniz's monadology and pre-established harmony.
● Insights into the rationalist emphasis on innate ideas.

Module 5

5. Empiricism

● Introduction to the empiricist challenge to rationalism.
● Exploration of Locke's theory of knowledge and tabula rasa.
● Examination of Berkeley's immaterialism and critique of material substance.
● Study of Hume's skepticism and critique of causality.
● Discussion on the empiricist focus on sensory experience.

Module 6

6. Transcendental Idealism

● Introduction to Kant and his Copernican revolution in philosophy.
● Examination of the concepts of phenomena and noumena.
● Discussion on the categories of understanding.
● Exploration of the moral implications of Kantian thought.
● Insights into the challenges posed to empiricism and rationalism.

Module 7

7. Later German Philosophy

● Overview of post-Kantian developments in German thought.
● Study of Hegel's dialectical process and absolute idealism.
● Examination of Schopenhauer's will and representation.
● Discussion on Nietzsche's critique of traditional values.
● Exploration of the impact of German thought on subsequent philosophy.

Module 8

8. Analytical Philosophy

● Introduction to the analytical tradition and its origins.
● Examination of Russell's logic and critique of idealism.
● Study of Wittgenstein's linguistic turn and philosophy of language.
● Discussion on logical positivism and the Vienna Circle.
● Insights into the challenges posed to metaphysics by analytical philosophers.

Module 9

9. Phenomenology and Existentialism

● Introduction to phenomenology and its focus on consciousness.
● Examination of Husserl's eidetic reduction and intentionality.
● Study of Heidegger's being and time.
● Discussion on existentialist themes in Sartre and Camus.
● Exploration of the emphasis on individual freedom and authenticity.

Module 10

10. Logical Positivism and Falsificationism

● Overview of the rise and fall of logical positivism.
● Examination of the verification principle and its challenges.
● Study of Popper's falsificationism and critique of induction.
● Discussion on the demarcation problem in philosophy of science.
● Insights into the evolution of philosophy of science.

Module 11

11. Linguistic Philosophy

● Introduction to the later Wittgenstein and philosophy of language.
● Examination of the concept of language games and forms of life.
● Discussion on the performative nature of language in Austin and Searle.
● Exploration of the implications of linguistic philosophy on metaphysics.
● Insights into the challenges posed to traditional philosophical problems.

Module 1 2

12. Recent Philosophy

● Overview of contemporary trends in Western philosophy.
● Examination of postmodernism and its critiques.
● Study of contemporary debates in epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.
● Discussion on the interdisciplinary nature of recent philosophical thought.
● Reflection on the future directions of Western philosophy.

Course Overview

Dive deep into the intricate world of Western philosophy with this comprehensive 12-week course. Spanning from the ancient musings of the Presocratic to the cutting-edge debates of contemporary thinkers, this course offers students a holistic understanding of the evolution and impact of Western philosophical thought.

Beginning with the foundational ideas of Heraclitus, Pythagoras, and other Pre Socratic thinkers, students will explore the transition from mythological narratives to rational explanations of the cosmos. The course will then guide participants through the monumental contributions of classical philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, shedding light on their enduring legacies and their profound influence on subsequent intellectual traditions. The mediaeval period, marked by the synthesis of religious beliefs and philosophical principles, will introduce students to the works of Augustine, Aquinas, and the challenges of reconciling faith with reason.

As the course progresses, students will delve into the modern era, exploring the dichotomies of rationalism and empiricism, and the revolutionary ideas introduced by philosophers like Descartes, Spinoza, and Hume. Kant’s transcendental idealism and his challenge to traditional epistemological frameworks will pave the way for discussions on post-Kantian German thought, analytical philosophy, and the existential and phenomenological movements of the 20th century.

Utilizing “Philosophy and Philosophers: An Introduction to Western Philosophy” by John Shand as a foundational text, the course aims not only to impart knowledge but also to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a genuine appreciation for the rich tapestry of ideas that have shaped Western intellectual history. By the end of this journey, students will be well-equipped to engage with philosophical debates, understand the historical context of key philosophical movements, and apply philosophical principles to contemporary challenges and dilemmas.

A History of Western Philosophy Course overview

Learning Outcomes

Comprehension of Historical Progression: By the end of the course, students will be able to trace the chronological development of Western philosophical thought, recognizing key shifts from the Pre Socratic era to contemporary philosophical movements.
Analytical Skills: Students will develop the ability to critically analyse and evaluate the central arguments, concepts, and methodologies presented by major Western philosophers, demonstrating a deep understanding of their significance and implications.
Integration of Philosophical Traditions: Students will gain the proficiency to compare and contrast the ideas of different philosophical schools of thought, understanding their interrelations and divergences.
Articulation of Complex Ideas: Through discussions, reflections, and written assignments, students will hone their skills in articulating complex philosophical ideas clearly and coherently, both in written and verbal formats.
Application to Contemporary Issues: Students will be equipped to apply the philosophical principles and theories studied to contemporary ethical, metaphysical, and epistemological questions, showcasing their relevance to modern-day challenges and debates.

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