Introduction to Western Philosophy

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About The Course

Explore the foundational branches of Western Philosophy in this 12-week 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 how foundational philosophy branches extend into specialized subjects. Designed for both novices and enthusiasts, this course offers a gateway to critical thinking and the rich world of philosophical ideas.

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

12 Live Online Sessions

Duration : 12+ Weeks

Saturday, 5PM - 6:30PM (London, UK)

Video Recordings Available

Access to Mobile App

Personalised Feedback

Digital Certificate

From £17.49/Month

(For 4 Months)

Enroll Now

Starts on 6th January 2024

Course Fee

Pay in Full: ~~£79.99~~ £69.99

Pay In 4 Installments: £17.49 per month

Registration Deadline:

5th January 2024

Al Balagh Scholarship

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

Dive into the captivating world of Western Philosophy with this comprehensive course tailored for Muslim students. This program offers a unique blend of foundational knowledge and critical exploration, guiding students through the primary branches of philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Aesthetics, and Logic.
The course begins with an enlightening introduction to the essence of philosophy, unravelling its structural breakdown for those unfamiliar with its intricate landscape. As we delve deeper, each branch is explored over two dedicated lessons, ensuring a thorough understanding of its core concepts, historical evolution, and contemporary relevance.

From probing the nature of reality in Metaphysics to questioning the foundations of knowledge in Epistemology, and from navigating the moral compass in Ethics to appreciating the beauty in Aesthetics, students will be equipped with the tools to navigate the philosophical terrains confidently.

The course culminates in exploring specialised philosophical subjects, illustrating how they extend and apply the foundational branches in specific arenas. Using the Philosophy of Science as a case study, students will witness the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy and its profound impact on other fields of study. Designed to be both accessible and thought-provoking, this course aims to foster a deep appreciation for philosophy, enhance critical thinking skills, and provide a platform for meaningful discussions and reflections. Whether you’re a budding philosopher or simply curious about the world of ideas, this course promises a transformative intellectual experience.

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, namely 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 Communication and Argumentation Skills: Through discussions, assignments, and presentations, students will hone their ability to articulate complex philosophical ideas clearly, construct well-reasoned arguments, and engage in constructive philosophical debates with peers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

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How is this online course structured?

Our online course comprises live interactive online sessions, pre-recorded videos, online course material that include, presentations, reading material & online learning activities. Students may ask questions and get their doubts cleared from their respective lecturers, if any. Our dedicated academic support team will assist you as required.

When will I have access to the online course material?

Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to myAlBalagh (our online learning portal) within 24 hours.

Will I get notification for live sessions?

All students will receive notification for their course live sessions via email and/or course WhatsApp group. You may also check the Course Schedule tab on your dashboard after logging in on our website or Mobile App.

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

We always encourage attending live sessions among students, but it is not compulsory for technical course progress of the students.

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

If you are unable to attend a live session or have missed it, you can view recorded sessions on your course dashboard. You can access all the completed Recordings, PPT and assessments anytime.

Can I download the recordings and watch it offline?

You can download recordings and PPT of the course sessions from the myAlBalagh mobile App for all the enrolled courses.The recordings will be available for students after 48 hours of the live session.

Do I get marks for watching course recordings and presentations?

There are no additional marks for watching the course recordings. Only the module Assessments and the final exam add up to the final score.You can check the individual scores of your Assessments under the Progress tab of myAlBalagh.

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

You can discuss your doubts via Course WhatsApp Group dedicated for student discussion or access the Discussion Board on myAlBalagh. It is a platform for you to ask questions, discuss and get your doubts cleared.

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

How do I interact with my classmates?

You can interact with your classmates on our Whatsapp Group exclusive for the course students. Furthermore, you can use the Discussion Board to connect with other course students as well.

How long will I have access to the online course?

You will have access to the online course content for up to 2 years. If you want lifetime access, contact our admin team via Email at [email protected].

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