The Origins of Philosophy [2479]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in French
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: French
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course offers an introduction to the nature, purpose, and development of philosophy. It explores what philosophy is, why it has remained a central intellectual discipline, and how it relates to other fields of inquiry, particularly theology. Through an overview of its major areas and a study of its historical origins in ancient Greece, students are introduced to the fundamental questions that have shaped philosophical reflection. The course also examines the figure of Socrates, whose life and thought continue to define the philosophical vocation as a pursuit of truth, wisdom, and critical inquiry. 

Course Objectives

This course enables learners to:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the nature, aims, and distinctive methods of philosophical inquiry.
• Identify the major branches of philosophy and describe their principal questions and concerns.
• Understand the historical emergence of philosophy in ancient Greece, with particular attention to the Presocratic philosophers and Socrates.
• Discover the relationship between philosophy and theology and discuss their respective roles in the pursuit of truth and wisdom.

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 Philosophy?

Section 2 – Why study Philosophy?

Section 3 – The place of Philosophy in Theology

Section 4 – The main areas of Philosophy

Section 5 – Presocratic Philosophy

Section 6 – Socrates 

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,
• 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);
• 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 French 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

• Edward Craig, Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2002.
• Thomas Nagel, What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1987.
• Alister E. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction, Oxford, Blackwell Publishers, 1997.
• Paul Helm, Faith and Reason, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1999.
• Simon Blackburn, The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1994.