Introduction to Philosophy [2254]

General Information

• Duration: 30 hours
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course introduces philosophy as a rigorous academic discipline concerned with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and human life. It presents philosophy as a critical and rational inquiry that relies primarily on logical argument rather than empirical experimentation, while remaining in dialogue with the sciences. It traces the historical origins of philosophy from early mythological thought to the major figures of ancient Greek philosophy, especially Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It provides a systematic overview of the main branches of philosophy. Through the study of key philosophical problems, the course aims to develop analytical, argumentative, and critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to distinguish philosophical questions from other types of inquiry and to take reasoned positions in ongoing philosophical debates. 

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• understand the nature and scope of philosophy;
• understand some of the philosophical skills and explain the importance of philosophy as a branch of knowledge;
• understand the origins of philosophy and some of the philosophical positions held by ancient Greek thinkers;
• have a better sense of the differences between philosophical questions and other kinds of questions or arguments;
• understand different branches of philosophy and some of the major issues concerned in such branches; and
• understand and be able to express several philosophical issues taking a position in the debates over the issues mentioned in this course. 

Learning Outcomes

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Analyse a philosophical question by drawing on the methods of argumentation and critical thinking. 

Course Outline

Section 1 - What is the Nature and Scope of Philosophy?

Section 2 - How did Philosophy Begin?

Section 3 - What are the Major Branches of Philosophy?

Section 4 - Sample Philosophical Issues – I

Section 5 - Sample Philosophical Issues – II

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and
  
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises); and
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Mortimer J. Adler, The Four Dimensions of Philosophy: Metaphysical, Moral, Objective, Categorical, Basingstoke, Macmillan Publishers, 1993.
• Reginald E. Allen, Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle. Readings in the History of Philosophy, New York, The Free Press, 1996.
• Marius Backmann, Humean Libertarianism, Hightown, Walter de Gruyter, 2013.
• Soraya Susan Behbehani, The Messenger Within: Discovering Love and Wholeness Through Meditation, New York, Mellen Research University Press, 1991.
• Silvano Borruso, A History of Philosophy for Almost Everyone, Nairobi, Daughters of St Paul, 2007.