Introduction to Philosophy by Open Education Edinburgh is a comprehensive academic course designed to introduce learners to core philosophical questions and methods. This course is part of the University of Edinburgh’s open learning initiative and provides a strong foundation in philosophical thinking.

The course begins by defining what philosophy is and why it is important. It explains how philosophy is both challenging and relevant to everyday life, encouraging learners to think critically about fundamental questions. It also introduces different methods used in philosophy, including argument analysis and logical reasoning.

A key section of the course focuses on epistemology, the study of knowledge. Students explore what knowledge is made of, how we justify beliefs, and the classical definition of knowledge as “justified true belief.” The course also discusses the famous Gettier problem, which challenges traditional ideas about knowledge.

Further lessons examine whether humans can truly have knowledge and explore skepticism as a philosophical position. The course also introduces foundational ideas from philosophers such as René Descartes, especially his theory of substance dualism.

By the end of the course, learners will understand key philosophical questions about knowledge, reality, and reasoning, and develop st