Why Choose Philosophy?

Philosophy is a unique discipline because it is not limited by subject matter or by adherence to a single methodology. Rather it addresses the most general and fundamental questions about language, knowledge and reality, questioning everything we usually take for granted, and even questioning itself. Wilfrid Sellars wrote that “the aim of philosophy, abstractly formulated, is to understand how things, in the broadest possible sense of the term, hang together, in the broadest possible sense of the term”. This means that philosophy combines well with any other subject choices and that the knowledge and skills it cultivates are relevant not only to other academic and vocational pursuits but to all aspects of life. It is particularly suited to those who seek a more holistic understanding of the world. Philosophy has a deserved reputation as a rigorous and demanding subject, but what makes it so inspiring is that it is open to all and every person’s perspective matters: philosophy’s central questions are addressed to you and no-one else can simply give you the answers.

What skills will you develop?

• Critical thinking and analytical reasoning

• Interpretation and evaluation of challenging texts

• Construction of precise and persuasive arguments

• Communication, essay writing, and debate

What university courses and careers could it lead me towards?

University Courses: Philosophy, Politics, Law, Classics, Religious Studies, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, MFL, Linguistics, English Literature, Media and Film Studies, and many others. Philosophy is relevant in some way to most subject areas, and many universities offer courses where philosophy is combined with other subjects, such as PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), Maths and Philosophy, Physics and Philosophy, Computer Science and Philosophy, or History and Philosophy. Career Paths: Philosophy is relevant to any career path that involves analytical reasoning, spoken or written communication skills, or moral awareness. Philosophy is highly respected by top employers in many fields as a rigorous academic subject that develops a range of transferable skills. Many philosophy students pursue careers in education or law, but these are just two of many possibilities. Ethical issues arising from new technology, especially AI, are likely to create a demand in the job market for people accustomed to philosophical reflection.

How is the course structured?

• The definition of knowledge

• Perception and reason as sources of knowledge

• The limits of knowledge

Typical discussion questions:

• How can you be sure that you are not dreaming, or living in a simulation?

• Can scientific theories ever be proven?

• What’s the difference between knowing something and making a lucky guess?

• Normative ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics

• Meta-ethics: the analysis of moral language

• Applied ethics: stealing, lying, simulated killing, eating animals

Typical discussion questions:

• Is morality just a matter of opinion, or are there moral truths?

• Is it wrong to lie if it doesn’t do anyone any harm?

• Does playing violent videogames or watching violent films make you a bad person?

• The concept and nature of ‘God’

• Arguments for and against the existence of God

• Religious language

Typical discussion questions:

• Could God create a stone too heavy for him to lift?

• If we need the Big Bang to explain the universe, do we need God to explain the Big Bang? 

• Why might a loving God allow evil and suffering?

• The nature of mental states

• Dualist theories of mind and body

• Physicalist and functionalist theories of mind and body

Typical discussion questions:

• Is ‘the mind’ just another name for the brain?

• Could the soul survive bodily death?

• Could a computer think?

Assessment

• 2 written exams, 3 hours each

• A mix of short-answer and essay questions

• No coursework

• Assessed on knowledge, application, and analysis/evaluation