Introduction to Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy is the foundational course to all of the disciplines that emerge from the scholarly study of various philosophical streams of thought including the nature of philosophy, Western philosophy, ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, human nature, contemporary philosophy, and non-Western philosophy. In the modules of this course, major concepts, as well as questions and movements within these and other various streams are presented, starting with eras even before the ancient Greeks – as early as 1200 B.C.E. As the material progresses, the modules move through historical and cultural events that correspond with an ever deepening and enriched field of philosophical premises – up to and including very recent contemporary philosophers as well as philosophers from around the world, beyond the Western understanding of philosophy.  And finally, it is critical to note that all humans can utilize various philosophical tools and methods to make informed, rational choices and decisions about our daily and future activities as individuals as well as families and communities. Respecting each other’s rights and fulfilling our duties philosophically and in action certainly helps make the world a better place.   

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

• Identify, distinguish, and apply the history, branches, and tenets of major Western and world streams of philosophical thought. 
• Compare and contrast philosophical thinking from various other intellectual endeavors.
• Identify and distinguish major philosophical movements and the philosophers that led/lead those emergences.
• Interpret and evaluate various philosophical theories and methodologies.
• Recognize the merits and critiques of philosophical arguments, stances, scenarios, frameworks, and dilemmas.
• Compare and contrast ancient, classical, modern and post-Modern philosophical issues. 
• Recognize and apply Western philosophy and compare and contrast it with philosophical approaches in other parts of the world. 
  
  

Title: The Power of Ideas, 11th edition, by Bruder, et al, McGraw-Hill Education

If you are struggling with a term or concept, you can utilize the links below to search for the concept or term to find additional resources and explanation.

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Philosophy Crash Course Videos

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

An Introduction to Philosophy

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