The course will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. This course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion.
Course aim
This course will briefly introduce key ideas from the history of philosophy. We will discuss selected news stories and consider what philosophical concepts and theories can contribute to our understanding of these stories.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
- The course will help beginners but also anyone who has studied philosophy in the past is welcome to join in. Returning students are welcome alongside new students. There will be lots of opportunities for discussion drawing on student experience as well as the ideas introduced by the teacher.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Describe key philosophical ideas.
- Understand the background to some of the debates in philosophy.
- Use philosophical concepts for analysis of political and cultural issues.
- Describe key news stories covered in the course.
- Describe and discuss different perspectives on the headline stories covered by the course.
What else do I need to know?
A pen and paper would be useful.
View full course information sheet
