Introduction to Western Philosophy

Self – Paced Mode

Master Western Philosophy at Your Own Pace!

Introduction to Western Philosophy

About The Course

Explore the foundational branches of Western Philosophy at your own pace in this comprehensive course tailored for Muslim students. Delve into Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Aesthetics, and Logic, gaining insights into their core concepts and relevance. Conclude with a special focus on the Philosophy of Science, showcasing the extension of foundational philosophy into specialised subjects. This self-paced course offers a flexible gateway to critical thinking and the rich world of philosophical ideas, designed for both novices and enthusiasts.

Course Team

Ustadh Jamie Turner

(Doctoral researcher at the Centre for Philosophy of Religion, University of Birmingham)

Dr Shoaib Ahmed Malik

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

AT A GLANCE

13 Recorded Sessions

13 Graded Module Assessments

18+ VIDEO HOURS

Videos Access for 1 Year

Mobile App

Digital Certificate

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Course Launch Date : 6th October 2024

Course Fee

Pay in Full: ~~£79.99~~ £29.99

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AlBalagh Scholarship is available for learners who cannot afford the fee.

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Sessions

Module 1

1. Introduction to Philosophy and its Branches

● What is philosophy? Understanding its significance and scope.
● Introduction to the five main branches: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Aesthetics, and Logic.
● The historical context of philosophical inquiry.
● The relevance of philosophy in everyday life and decision-making.
● A brief preview of what to expect in the upcoming weeks.

Module 2

2. Metaphysics - The Nature of Reality

● Introduction to the concept of reality and its philosophical implications.
● Exploration of the mind-body problem: Dualism vs. Materialism.
● Discussion on the nature of consciousness and its place in the universe.
● Real-world implications and contemporary debates on the nature of reality.

Module 3

3. Metaphysics - Free Will vs. Determinism

● Delving into the age-old debate: Do we have free will, or are our actions predetermined?
● Understanding the philosophical and scientific arguments for and against free will.
● The implications of determinism on morality and responsibility.
● Contemporary perspectives and the ongoing debate in neuroscience and philosophy.

Module 4

4. Epistemology - The Sources of Knowledge

● Introduction to the study of knowledge: What does it mean to know something?
● Exploration of the primary sources of knowledge: Reason, Experience, and Testimony.
● The challenges and limitations of each source.
● Real-world applications: How do we determine the reliability of information?

Module 5

5. Epistemology - The Limits of Human Understanding

● Delving into the boundaries of what we can truly know.
● Exploration of concepts like skepticism, doubt, and certainty.
● Discussion on the problem of induction and the challenges of empirical knowledge.
● The role of belief, faith, and intuition in human understanding.

Module 6

6. Ethics - Moral Foundations: Utilitarianism vs. Deontological Ethics

● Introduction to the central question of ethics: What makes an action morally right or wrong?
● Exploration of Utilitarianism and its emphasis on outcomes.
● Understanding Deontological Ethics and its focus on duties and rules.
● Real-world applications and challenges of each approach.

Module 7

7. Ethics - Virtue Ethics and the Pursuit of Character

● Introduction to Virtue Ethics and its emphasis on character and virtues.
● Exploration of historical perspectives from Aristotle and their contemporary relevance.
● The practical implications of Virtue Ethics in personal and societal contexts.
● Cultivating virtues and their role in guiding actions and decisions.

Module 8

8. Aesthetics - The Philosophy of Art and Beauty

● Introduction to aesthetics and its significance in human culture.
● Exploration of the nature of art, beauty, and taste.
● Discussion on the subjective vs. objective nature of aesthetic judgments.
● The role of culture, society, and individual experience in shaping aesthetic values.

Module 9

9. Aesthetics - The Impact of Art on Society

● Delving into the societal implications of art and artistic expression.
● Exploration of art as a form of communication, protest, and reflection.
● Discussion on censorship, freedom of expression, and the boundaries of art.
● The transformative power of art in shaping societal values and norms.

Module 10

10. Logic - The Structure of Arguments

● Introduction to logic and its role in philosophical inquiry.
● Exploration of the basic structure of arguments: premises and conclusions.
● Understanding logical fallacies and common errors in reasoning.
● The application of logic in everyday decision-making and discourse.

Module 11

11. Logic - Critical Thinking in the Modern World

● Delving into the importance of critical thinking in the age of information.
● Exploration of biases, misinformation, and the challenges of discerning truth.
● Tools and techniques for logical analysis and critical evaluation.
● The role of logic in fostering informed, rational, and open-minded discussions.

Module 1 2

12. Special Philosophical Subjects - Philosophy of Science

● Introduction to specialized areas of philosophy and their significance.
● Focusing on the Philosophy of Science as a case study.
● Exploration of the nature of scientific inquiry, theories, and paradigms.
● Understanding how Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Aesthetics, and Logic play roles in specialised philosophical subjects.

Course Overview

Embark on a self-paced journey into the captivating world of Western Philosophy, thoughtfully designed for Muslim students. This comprehensive course offers a unique blend of foundational knowledge and critical exploration, guiding students through the essential branches of philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Aesthetics, and Logic.

The course begins with an accessible introduction to the essence of philosophy, unravelling its complex structure for those new to the subject. Each philosophical branch is meticulously explored over two lessons, allowing students to engage deeply with core concepts, historical developments, and contemporary relevance. Whether probing the nature of reality in Metaphysics or questioning the foundations of knowledge in Epistemology, this self-paced course empowers students to navigate the philosophical landscape with confidence.

The journey concludes with an exploration of specialised philosophical subjects, demonstrating how foundational concepts extend into specific fields. Through the Philosophy of Science, students will discover the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy and its profound impact on other areas of study.

Designed for flexibility and depth, this course fosters a deep appreciation for philosophy, enhances critical thinking skills, and provides a platform for meaningful self-reflection. Whether you're a budding philosopher or simply curious about the world of ideas, this self-paced course promises a transformative intellectual experience, allowing you to learn at your own rhythm.

Introduction to Western Philosophy - Exploring the rich tapestry of human thought through

Learning Outcomes

Comprehensive Understanding of Philosophical Branches: By the end of the course, students will be able to identify and explain the primary branches of philosophy—Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Aesthetics, and Logic—and understand their significance in shaping philosophical discourse.
Critical Analysis and Evaluation: Students will develop the ability to critically analyse and evaluate philosophical arguments, theories, and concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of various philosophical positions and their implications.
Application of Philosophical Concepts: Students will be equipped to apply philosophical concepts and principles to real-world scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and contemporary debates, demonstrating a practical understanding of philosophy's relevance in everyday life.
Interdisciplinary Integration: By the end of the course, students will recognize the interconnectedness of philosophy with other disciplines, especially in specialised subjects like the Philosophy of Science, and appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of philosophical inquiry.
Enhanced Argumentation Skills: Through self-paced assignments, students will hone their ability to articulate complex philosophical ideas clearly, construct well-reasoned arguments, and engage in constructive philosophical debates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 40000+ learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.

How is this online course structured?

Our online course is designed to be flexible and self-paced, featuring high-quality pre-recorded videos along with comprehensive online course materials such as presentations and readings. All course content, including video recordings and presentations, is accessible through our learning portal. You can attempt the assessments whenever you feel prepared, after reviewing and understanding the topics. Throughout the course, our dedicated academic support team is available to provide assistance as needed.

How many lecture hours are available in this course?

Our online course offers over 20+ hours of high-quality lecture content on average, featuring video presentations from eminent scholars and academics.

When will I have access to the online course material?

Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.

How do I interact with my classmates?

You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab.

Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group and click on the group link to join directly.

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow students for course-related discussions and to receive important updates from the team.

How long will I have access to this online course in self-paced mode?

The duration of access to this course is 1 year from the date of enrollment.

I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?

In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: [email protected] or by WhatsApp: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.

How do I attempt the course assessments?

Course assessments are automatically graded by the LMS and include various types such as multiple choice and True/False questions etc. Specific instructions are provided before each assessment for clarity. Your scores and assessment submission history will be instantly visible in the “Assessments” panel on the LMS.

What is the course grading policy?

To pass the course and receive a certificate, you must score at least 40% in all graded module assessments. Here's how your performance is evaluated:

Graded Module Assessments:

Conducted online at the end of each lecture module.
Aim to test your understanding of the concepts covered.
Weekly checkpoints to track your progress.
A minimum score of 40% in all these assessments is required to pass the course.

Self-Check Assessments (Ungraded):

Include various formats like Comprehensive Evaluation, Analytical Skills Assessment, and Critical Thinking Quiz.
Designed to test your knowledge across different parameters.
These assessments are ungraded and do not affect your course grade.

When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?

After successfully completing the course, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement from the portal. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold:

Achieve a minimum overall grade of 40% in the graded module assessments.

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