Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental questions about human existence and its nature. Among other areas, philosophical explorations may investigate ethics, values, thought, reason, free will, and justice. While it is often hard to decide on concrete answers through philosophical reasoning, the journey itself is worthwhile. Try the resources here to learn about the techniques of logic and critical discussion used in philosophical investigations, and to learn about the philosophers who pioneered them such as Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle.

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It is one of the oldest academic disciplines, dating back to the time of the ancient Greek philosophers. The word philosophy comes from the Greek word philosophia, which means “love of wisdom.”

In philosophy, we try to answer the big questions about life and existence. What is the meaning of life? What is the nature of reality? How should we live our lives? These are some of the questions that philosophers have been trying to answer for centuries.

Philosophy is not just about answering these big questions. It is also about the process of asking and answering them. The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once said, “The truth is a trap: you cannot get it without it getting you.” In other words, the act of seeking truth can change the seeker.

This is one of the things that makes philosophy unique. It is not just a body of knowledge that can be learned and mastered. It is a way of thinking and living that can transform the person who engages in it.

Philosophy is the study of the big questions. What is the nature of reality? What is the good life? How should we live? How can we know anything? These are some of the fundamental questions that philosophy addresses.

Philosophy is not just a theoretical discipline; it can also be a practical one. Many philosophical ideas have been extremely influential in shaping the way we live. For example, the concept of human rights, the idea of democracy, and the principle of equality all have their roots in philosophy.

While philosophy may seem like a dry and abstract subject, it is actually very relevant to our everyday lives. By learning about philosophy, we can learn to think more critically and deeply about the world around us.

Philosophy Resources

History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

A series of podcasts by Professor Peter Adamson of LMU in Munich and King's College London that cover philosophers and major ideas. He covers philosophers from all over the world and all periods of time, including: Pythagoras Plato Socrate...

Philosophy Podcasts

Philosophy Podcasts

Series of podcasts offered by the faculty of Oxford University covering many major topics in Philosophy, including: John Locke Philosophy for Beginners Critical Reasoning Nietzsche on Mind and Nature Kant's Critique of Pure Reason Aesthetics...

Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

What is philosophy? How does it differ from science, religion, and other modes of human discourse? This course traces the origins of philosophy in the Western tradition in the thinkers of Ancient Greece. We begin with the Presocratic natural philosop...

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 3: How Does It All End?

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 3: How Does It All End?

Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of var...

Revolutionary Ideas: Utility, Justice, Equality, Freedom

Revolutionary Ideas: Utility, Justice, Equality, Freedom

What is the purpose of government? Why should we have a State? What kind of State should we have? Even within a political community, there may be sharp disagreements about the role and purpose of government. Some want an active, involved government,...

Greek and Roman Mythology

Greek and Roman Mythology

Myths are traditional stories that have endured over a long time. Some of them have to do with events of great importance, such as the founding of a nation. Others tell the stories of great heroes and heroines and their exploits and courage in the fa...

Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle and His Successors

Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle and His Successors

About this Course What is philosophy? How does it differ from science, religion, and other modes of human discourse? This course traces the origins of philosophy in the Western tradition in the thinkers of Ancient Greece. We begin with the Presocrat...

Reason and Persuasion: Thinking Through Three Dialogues By Plato

Reason and Persuasion: Thinking Through Three Dialogues By Plato

In this course we study the ancient, Socratic art of blowing up your beliefs as you go, to make sure they're built to last. We spend six weeks studying three Platonic dialogues - “Euthyphro”, “Meno”, “Republi...

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 2: Belief Systems

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 2: Belief Systems

Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of var...

Philosophy (online)

Philosophy (online)

This course will take you on an exciting adventure that covers more than 2,500 years of history! Along the way, you’ll run into some very strange characters. For example, you’ll read about a man who hung out on street corners, barefoot and dirty, pes...

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 1: Historical Foundations

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 1: Historical Foundations

About this Course Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and...

Effective Altruism

Effective Altruism

Effective altruism is built on the simple but unsettling idea that living a fully ethical life involves doing the most good one can. In this course you will examine this idea's philosophical underpinnings; meet remarkable people who have restru...