The top 20 Philosophy courses you need to take

1. Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences

What is the origin of our universe? What are dark matter and dark energy? This is the first part of the course 'Philosophy and the Sciences', dedicated to Philosophy of the Physical Sciences. Scientific research across the physical sciences has raised pressing questions for philosophers. The goal of this course is to introduce you to some of the main areas and topics at the key juncture between philosophy and the physical sciences. Each week we will introduce you to some of these important questions at the forefront of scientific research. We will explain the science behind each topic in a simple, non-technical way, while also addressing the philosophical and conceptual questions arising from it. We’ll consider questions about the origin and evolution of our universe, the nature of dark energy and dark matter and the role of anthropic reasoning in the explanation of our universe. Learning Objectives Gain a fairly well-rounded view on selected areas and topics at the intersection of philosophy and the sciences Understand some key questions, and conceptual problems arising in the natural sciences. Develop critical skills to evaluate and assess these problems. Suggested Reading To accompany 'Philosophy and the Sciences', we are pleased to announce a tie-in book from Routledge entitled 'Philosophy and the Sciences for Everyone'. This course companion to the 'Philosophy and the Sciences' course was written by the Edinburgh Philosophy and the Sciences team expressly with the needs of MOOC students in mind. 'Philosophy and the Sciences for Everyone' contains clear and user-friendly chapters, chapter summaries, glossary, study questions, suggestions for further reading and guides to online resources. Please note, this companion book is optional - all the resources needed to complete the course are available freely and listed on the course site...

2. Introduction to Philosophy

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Learn all about all the main figures and ideas from throughout the history of Western philosophy! The course is based around lectures with slides and simultaneous video of the instructor. After an introductory session, it takes an author- and discipline-centered approach starting in Ancient Greece and leading all the way up to the present day. It will be of interest to anyone wishing for a well-rounded introduction in philosophy, including its main historical authors and themes, as well as its ongoing significance...

3. Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

What is philosophy? How does it differ from science, religion, and other modes of human discourse? This course traces the origins of philosophy in the Western tradition in the thinkers of Ancient Greece. We begin with the Presocratic natural philosophers who were active in Ionia in the 6th century BCE and are also credited with being the first scientists. Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximines made bold proposals about the ultimate constituents of reality, while Heraclitus insisted that there is an underlying order to the changing world. Parmenides of Elea formulated a powerful objection to all these proposals, while later Greek theorists (such as Anaxagoras and the atomist Democritus) attempted to answer that objection. In fifth-century Athens, Socrates insisted on the importance of the fundamental ethical question—“How shall I live?”—and his pupil, Plato, and Plato’s pupil, Aristotle, developed elaborate philosophical systems to explain the nature of reality, knowledge, and human happiness. After the death of Aristotle, in the Hellenistic period, Epicureans and Stoics developed and transformed that earlier tradition. We will study the major doctrines of all these thinkers. Part I will cover Plato and his predecessors. Part II will cover Aristotle and his successors...

4. The Hermetic Extraterrestrial Philosophy

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Hermeticism, also called Hermetism, is a religious and philosophical tradition based primarily upon writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus (Thrice Great). These writings have greatly influenced the Western esoteric tradition and were considered to be of great importance during both the Renaissance and the Reformation. The tradition claims descent from a prisca theologia, a doctrine that affirms the existence of a single, true theology that is present in all religions and that was given by God to man in antiquity. Many Christian writers, including Lactantius, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Marsilio Ficino, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Giordano Bruno, Campanella, Sir Thomas Browne, and Emerson, considered Hermes Trismegistus to be a wise pagan prophet who foresaw the coming of Christianity. An account of how Hermes Trismegistus received the name Thrice Great is derived from the The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, wherein it is stated that he knew the three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe. The three parts of the wisdom are alchemy, astrology, and theurgy. The Poimandres, from which Marsilio Ficino formed his opinion, states that They called him Trismegistus because he was the greatest philosopher and the greatest priest and the greatest king. The Suda (10th century) states that He was called Trismegistus on account of his praise of the trinity, saying there is one divine nature in the trinity. Much of the importance of Hermeticism arises from its connection with the development of science during the time from 1300 to 1600 AD. The prominence that it gave to the idea of influencing or controlling nature led many scientists to look to magic and its allied arts (e. g., alchemy, astrology) which, it was thought, could put Nature to the test by means of experiments. Consequently, it was the practical aspects of Hermetic writings that attracted the attention of scientists. Isaac Newton placed great faith in the concept of an unadulterated, pure, ancient doctrine, which he studied vigorously to aid his understanding of the physical world. Many of Newton's manuscripts-most of which are still unpublished-detail his thorough study of the Corpus Hermeticum, writings said to have been transmitted from ancient times, in which the secrets and techniques of influencing the stars and the forces of nature were revealed. Philosophy In Hermeticism, the ultimate reality is referred to variously as God, the All, or the One. God in the Hermetica is unitary and transcendent: he is one and exists apart from the material cosmos. Hermetism is therefore profoundly monotheistic although in a deistic and unitarian understanding of the term. For it is a ridiculous thing to confess the World to be one, one Sun, one Moon, one Divinity, and yet to have, I know not how many gods. Its philosophy teaches that there is a transcendent God, or Absolute, in which we and the entire universe participate. It also subscribes to the idea that other beings, such as aeons, angels and elementals, exist within the universe. Prisca theologia Hermeticists believe in a prisca theologia, the doctrine that a single, true theology exists, that it exists in all religions, and that it was given by God to man in antiquity. In order to demonstrate the truth of the prisca theologia doctrine, Christians appropriated the Hermetic teachings for their own purposes. By this account, Hermes Trismegistus was (according to the fathers of the Christian church) either a contemporary of Moses or the third in a line of men named Hermes-Enoch, Noah, and the Egyptian priest-king who is known to us as Hermes Trismegistus. As above, so below. See also: Correspondence (theology) The Magician displaying the Hermetic concept of As above, so below. These words circulate throughout occult and magical circles. The actual text of that maxim, as translated by Dennis W. Hauck from The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, is: That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracle of the One Thing. Thus, whatever happens on any level of reality (physical, emotional, or mental) also happens on every other level. This principle, however, is more often used in the sense of the microcosm and the macrocosm. The microcosm is oneself, and the macrocosm is the universe. The macrocosm is as the microcosm and vice versa; within each lies the other, and through understanding one (usually the microcosm) a man may understand the other...

5. Introduction to Moral Philosophy

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What will you learn?The principles of the three major moral theories in Western philosophy: utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics. How to apply those theories to real life ethical dilemmas, such as stealing and killing animals. How to unpick meta-ethical questions, such as whether there's such as thing as a moral fact. Who is this course for?This course gives a basic introduction to Moral Philosophy and can be studied by those who have never studied Philosophy before. It will appeal to those who are simply interested in the topic; those wanting to take an A level qualification in Philosophy, or those teaching the topic who want fresh ideas on how to explain various topics. What does the course cover?It focuses on the the three main normative ethical theories of the Western world: utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics. It looks at some of the key figures in Moral Philosophy from Aristotle to Kant to John Stuart Mill. It then focuses on how their ethical theories can be applied in practice to answer whether its ever okay to steal, lie, play violent video games or kill and eat animals. The course finishes by exploring where morality might come from. Is it a feature of our psychology or do moral facts exist as properties of the universe? It also asks what we're doing when we make moral statements - are we doing anything more than expressing our emotions?The course is structured to be interactive, with activities spread throughout and a multiple choice quiz after each section. Information is delivered mainly through narrated slideshows. Each slide includes images that have been paired with the ideas and concepts discussed to help make the material easier to understand and remember. There is also a transcript of each video to help you follow the material and know how to spell new terms. If any topic particularly takes your interest then you can access the additional resources section of each lecture, which will enable you to explore further. There is also a discussion group where you can discuss the ideas and concepts you will be studying. The syllabus covered in this course is that listed in the AQA's 7172 A Level Philosophy syllabus for the 'Moral Philosophy' module. Further information on how this qualification is structured and assessed are attached to the first video. If you are interested in the other Philosophy topics on the A Level syllabus then you may wish to explore my 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' (Metaphysics of Mind), my 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Western Religion' (Metaphysics of God), or my 'Introduction to Epistemology' (Philosophy of Knowledge)...

6. Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle and His Successors

What is philosophy? How does it differ from science, religion, and other modes of human discourse? This course traces the origins of philosophy in the Western tradition in the thinkers of Ancient Greece. We begin with the Presocratic natural philosophers who were active in Ionia in the 6th century BCE and are also credited with being the first scientists. Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximines made bold proposals about the ultimate constituents of reality, while Heraclitus insisted that there is an underlying order to the changing world. Parmenides of Elea formulated a powerful objection to all these proposals, while later Greek theorists (such as Anaxagoras and the atomist Democritus) attempted to answer that objection. In fifth-century Athens, Socrates insisted on the importance of the fundamental ethical question—“How shall I live?”—and his pupil, Plato, and Plato’s pupil, Aristotle, developed elaborate philosophical systems to explain the nature of reality, knowledge, and human happiness. After the death of Aristotle, in the Hellenistic period, Epicureans and Stoics developed and transformed that earlier tradition. We will study the major doctrines of all these thinkers. Part I will cover Plato and his predecessors. Part II will cover Aristotle and his successors...

7. Introduction to Korean Philosophy and Culture

This course will give you the cultural and historical background to begin your journey into Korean philosophy, and there is no prerequisite knowledge on philosophy required. Anybody who either has an interest in Korean culture, maybe through K-Dramas or K-pop, or an interest in philosophy from a cross-cultural perspective, are all welcome. Despite the growing interest in Korean culture, there are few courses which explore the fascinating topic of Korean philosophy. On this course, you’ll be introduced to concepts in Korean philosophy through an exploration of the Korean language, culture and perspective. The Korean cultural, social, and political environment has informed and transformed the intellectual assets of China and the West. You’ll explore the creative tensions that Koreans have experienced, and broaden your worldview as you discover a new philosophical approach...

8. Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science

Philosophy, Science and Religion mark three of the most fundamental modes of thinking about the world and our place in it. Are these modes incompatible? Put another way: is the intellectually responsible thing to do to ‘pick sides’ and identify with one of these approaches at the exclusion of others? Or, are they complementary or mutually supportive? As is typical of questions of such magnitude, the devil is in the details. For example, it is important to work out what is really distinctive about each of these ways of inquiring about the world. In order to gain some clarity here, we’ll be investigating what some of the current leading thinkers in philosophy, science and religion are actually doing. This course, entitled ‘Religion and Science’, is the third of three related courses in our Philosophy, Science and Religion Online series. The course will address five themes, each presented by an expert in the area. 1. Science, Religion, and the Origin of the Universe (Professor Tim Maudlin, NYU ) 2. Buddhism and Science (Professor Graham Priest, CUNY) 3. Evolution and Design (Dr Kevin Scharp, St Andrews) 4. Sin Suffering and Salvation: Evolutions Thorny Issues (Dr Bethany Sollereder, Oxford) 5. Human Uniqueness in Science, Theology, and Ethics (Professor David Clough, Chester) The first and second courses in the Philosophy, Science and Religion series, 'Science and Philosophy' and 'Philosophy and Religion' were launched in 2017 and you can sign up to these at any time. It is not necessary to have completed these courses to follow this course. However, completing all three courses will give you a broader understanding of this fascinating topic. Look for: • Philosophy, Science and Religion I: Science and Philosophy - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-1 • Philosophy, Science and Religion II: Philosophy and Religion - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-2 Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will: (1) Understand the main parameters at stake in the current debate between science and religion. (2) Have some familiarity with the relevant areas of science that feature in the debate—including cosmology, evolution, and the neurosciences—and will have begun to engage with them conceptually. (3) Have encountered key philosophical approaches to the interface between science and religion, and will have had the opportunity to engage them in practice. (4) Have embarked constructively in cross-disciplinary conversations. (5) Have demonstrated an openness to personal growth through a commitment to dialogue across intellectual and spiritual boundaries. You can also follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EdiPhilOnline and you can follow the hashtag #psrmooc...

9. Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning

How much can we know of the physical world? Can we know everything? Or are there fundamental limits to how much we can explain? If there are limits, to what extent can we explain the nature of physical reality? RealityX investigates the limits of knowledge and what we can and cannot know of the world and ourselves.\n\nWe will trace the evolution of ideas about the nature of reality in philosophy and the natural sciences through the ages. Starting with the philosophers of Ancient Greece and ending with cutting edge theories about the universe, quantum physics, and the nature of consciousness.\n\nJoin world-renowned physicist and author Marcelo Gleiser and leading experts as we explore how philosophers and physicists from Plato to Einstein and many others have attempted to explain the nature of the world and of reality...

10. In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy

This course will give you an insight into the formative years of “Korean” culture and thought and uncover together who were the earliest people we could describe as being “Korean.” Korea is unique, but not of a single origin. Through this course, you will rediscover “Korea” today as a unique linguistic-cultural continuum. And from this, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself by acknowledging the various factors that have influenced you to form your mature identity...

11. Western Philosophy: From Renaissance to Enlightenment

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Western Philosophy has a rich tradition of wisdom and clear thinking about ideas related to Justice, Consciousness, Freedom, the Nature of Existence and more. In this course, you will learn what some of the greatest thinkers in history discovered about life and the nature of happiness including insights and realizations of: 1. Leonardo da Vinci 2. Francis Bacon 3. William Shakespeare 4. Thomas Hobbes 5. Michel de Montaigne 6. Petrarch 7. John Locke 8. Voltaire 9. Spinoza 10. Benjamin Franklin 11. Mary Wollstonecraft 12. David Hume 13. Kant 14. Jean Jacques Rousseau 15. Adam Smith 16. And More The modern world and Western society have largely been shaped by the ideas of these individuals and their contemporaries.  In this course, you will learn how they contributed to modern thought and how you can apply their powerful ideas to lead a more fulfilling, happier, and enriched life...

12. Philosophy Of Religion: Spirituality Despite Politics

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In this philosophy of religion course you will learn about the philosophy of religion, which is a branch of philosophy (not theology) that focuses on using rational understand to comprehend various religious phenomenons and beliefs.  How Is This Philosophy Course Structured?In the course I present the leading opinions about religion from the top philosophers from the last 2000 years. I cover philosophers starting from Socrates to modern existential and nihilistic views on philosophy, and the evolution of religion from ancient times to the present. I equally present the rationalizations and proofs of God as well as reasons not to believe in God. I also point out when politics takes over, and how to make the distinction, and not let politics take over. The course is 100% objective. At rare times I offer my own opinions, but I always try to give both sides of arguments by philosophers on both sides of the issues I present.  Additionally, I NEVER single out any religion or ANY group of people. My goal for this philosophy of religion course was to present it as objectively as possible, and let you decide on your eventual beliefs. I just introduce philosophy of religion approximately as it would be taught in an undergraduate philosophy of religion course.  You Will Get Introduced To New Ideas And Perspectives  Religion is as prevalent and widespread in the world today as it has ever been. I feel that you will find this philosophy of religion course enlightening and thought provoking. I welcome and encourage you to take the course. It will give you a number of perspectives and arguments from which to view spirituality and religion in a new light.  No Risk To Take This Philosophy Course  Every course on Udemy comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, and so does this philosophy course. So there is no risk to take this philosophy course. If you find that you don't like the course, just get your money back. But I am confident that you will find the course interesting!  Is This A Philosophy Course Or A Religion Course?This is first and foremost a philosophy course. This course examines the opinions of the major philosophers (not theologists) about religion. Why Is A Philosophy Course Like This Needed Or Interesting For Today's Audience?Today, religion is politicized more than ever. It is also endlessly skewed by the media. This is why in this course, we go back to basics, and examine what the smartest people in history had to say about religion...

13. Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind

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What will you learn?How to cut through the philosophical jargon and clearly explain the main theories in Western Philosophy regarding the nature of the mind and body and how they interact. How to critique the theories advanced in the Philosophy of Mind, such as substance dualism and reductive physicalism. Identify how philosophical theories in the Philosophy of Mind often echo other parts of culture, such as religious attitudes and developments in science. Who is this course for?This course gives an introduction to the Philosophy of Mind and can be studied by those who have never studied Philosophy before. It will appeal to those who are simply interested in the topic; those teaching the topic who want fresh ideas on how to explain the Philosophy of Mind, or those wanting to take an A level qualification in Philosophy.  What does the course cover?Philosophy of Mind asks important questions about what it is to be human. Among other questions it asks if we are two things: body and soul, or whether we are only one. It asks what the role of consciousness is in our lives and whether science can explain it. It tries to find the right analogy for humans: do we process problems like computers, or are we biological machines piloted by our spirits? It asks whether we are unique or whether the increased sophistication of robots shows that beings as complicated as us can be constructed using physical components. If you have ever wondered about the fundamental nature of what it is to be human then this course is for you.  This course is set at introductory level so begins by covering key terms in the Philosophy of Mind. The next section covers Descartes' Substance Dualism, including some objections to his position. The third section covers Property Dualism, a modern development from Descartes' philosophy, and again some issues with this position are explored. The fourth section looks at Physicalism, the view we are only our bodies. The various subtypes of Physicalism are explored along with the problems with each. The course is structured to be interactive, with activities spread throughout and a multiple choice quiz after each section. Information is delivered mainly through narrated slideshows. Each slide includes images that have been paired with the ideas and concepts discussed to help make the material easier to understand and remember. There is also a transcript of each video to help you follow the material and know how to spell new terms. If any topic particularly takes your interest then you can access the additional resources section of each lecture, which will enable you to explore further.  There is also a discussion group where you can discuss the ideas and concepts you will be studying. The syllabus covered in this course is that listed in the AQA's 7172 A Level Philosophy syllabus for the 'Metaphysics of Mind' module. Further information on how this qualification is structured and assessed are attached to the introductory lecture. I cover the material from the A Level's 3 other modules in my Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion, Introduction to Epistemology (Philosophy of Knowledge) and Introduction to Moral Philosophy - all available on Udemy...

14. Eastern Philosophy: From Buddha to Gandhi

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Recent Testimonials: Hope he comes out with a longer, more detailed one. This is awesome. - Vilde SjotveitThe content is very informative and interesting. - Kim Tuyen HuynhI love this stuff. It's so applicable to everyday life! - Steven JohnsonI have studied Eastern Philosophy and religious traditions my entire adult life and have found them to be very useful and applicable in the modern world. For literally hundreds of thousands of years, human beings have been confronted with the problems of survival, raising children, developing relationships, and overcoming endless obstacles on a daily basis.  The greatest thinkers of the past have much to teach us about how to deal with these problems psychologically and emotionally. In many cases, they have given us very specific examples and teach us how to apply these strategies to our everyday lives. Eastern Philosophy can help you: 1. Reduce stress 2. Reduce worry 3. Live a more fulfilled life 4. Be happier 5. Accomplish your goals more easily 6. Overcome life's challenges more easily 7. Improve your relationships 8. The list goes on. In this course we will cover all of the above and look at how you can apply the teachings of some of the greatest minds in history to your everyday life. See you in the course!...

15. The Philosophy of FileMaker - Part 1

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Learn FileMaker Scripting, Calculations, Relationships and Reporting from the guy who actually wrote the book, Scriptology: FileMaker Pro Demystified. With over two decades of experience teaching FileMaker, John Mark Osborne will help you understand tough FileMaker concepts with ease. Intermediate and advanced FileMaker techniques will be taught throughout the three part tutorial series. In order to better understand every nut and bolt that goes into designing a solution, a single file will be created from scratch. The chosen solution is an invoicing solution for its familiarity to a wide audience and flexibility of applying techniques to other solutions. The completed FileMaker file at each stage is provided to assist with the learning process...

16. The Philosophy of FileMaker - Part 2

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Part 2 of this training series continues on with FileMaker Scripting, Calculations, Relationships and Reporting from the guy who actually wrote the book, Scriptology: FileMaker Pro Demystified. With over two decades of experience teaching FileMaker, John Mark Osborne will help you understand tough FileMaker concepts with ease. Intermediate and advanced FileMaker techniques will be taught throughout the three part tutorial series. In order to better understand every nut and bolt that goes into designing a solution, a single file will be created from scratch. The chosen solution is an invoicing solution for its familiarity to a wide audience and flexibility of applying techniques to other solutions. The completed FileMaker file at each stage is provided to assist with the learning process...

17. The Philosophy of FileMaker - Part 3

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Part 3 of this training series continues on with FileMaker Scripting, Calculations, Relationships and Reporting from the guy who actually wrote the book, Scriptology: FileMaker Pro Demystified. With over two decades of experience teaching FileMaker, John Mark Osborne will help you understand tough FileMaker concepts with ease. Intermediate and advanced FileMaker techniques will be taught throughout the three part tutorial series. In order to better understand every nut and bolt that goes into designing a solution, a single file will be created from scratch. The chosen solution is an invoicing solution for its familiarity to a wide audience and flexibility of applying techniques to other solutions. The completed FileMaker file at each stage is provided to assist with the learning process...

18. Philosophy and Psychology for the 21st Century

4.5

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The word PHILOSOPHY literally means The Love of Wisdom. Unfortunately, what the word PHILOSOPHY for a lot of people has come to be connected to is  boring lectures from boring professors and a lot of very confusing technical jargon. In this course, we are going to explore the PRACTICAL side of philosophy, and focus on HOW IT CAN BE USED TO IMPROVE OUR LIVES. IN THIS COURSE YOU WILL LEARN: 1. What ancient philosophy has to teach us 2. How to apply the best of ancient philosophy to our lives in the 21st century 3. What the Renessiance and Enlightenment have to teach us 4. How to apply the best ideas of the Renessiance and Enlightenment to our lives in the 21st century 5. Some of the most useful ideas that the greatest thinkers and philosophers throughout time have shared with the world, but that largely remain misunderstood or unused 6. How studying philosophy can change your life for the better 7. How an understanding of philosophy can increase your health, well being and happiness 8. How modern society is actually designed to decrease our happiness and well being and what to do about it 9. How to start becoming the best version of yourself and begin building the life of your dreams 10. How to avoid some of the most common causes of stress, anxiety, and fear in modern society 11. Much more! Join the course, and learn how to apply the teachings of Philosophy from throughout the ages to your life in the 21st century!...

19. Yoga philosophy - Complete yoga teacher knowledge

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In this course we talk about everything from living life according to nature, the principles of yoga, the seven stages of awareness, controlling the mind, meditation and much more up to talking about karma, reincarnation and past lifes. All of this is presented by our wonderful philosophy teacher, Yogi and psychologist Dilara who teaches the western students in our Ashram. This course is for everyone who is searching for meaning and purpose as well as students who'd like to deepen their knowledge on the philosophy behind the Yoga tradition. You will learn everything that we teach our aspiring yoga teachers in our yoga teacher training here in India. You therefore gain the knowledge that eastern yoga teachers have (and western teachers shouldn't miss). This course is beginners friendly. Namaste! Read our students reviews: This is an amazing course very well structured and waw my students loved the knowledge that I can share myself with them. I've learned more here then in my yoga teacher trainings. Namaste forever grateful. (Arina Maria)Really great course. I have learned so much. Authentic teacher and authentic teachings (Hannah)Valuable Information, Clear explanations, Engaging delivery, Helpful practice activities, Accurate course description, Knowledgeable instructor...