Philosophy for Beginners is a user friendly approach to Philosophy. It is suitable for people who want to learn how to do Philosophy in an informal setting. There are guidelines for discussion so that you know what to do and how to keep on track.

More specifically, Philosophy is a practice that explores ideas, assumptions and beliefs. Philosophy stimulates the brain and takes you outside of your normal thinking patterns. In fact, you explore the ‘Big Questions’ of life. Moreover, you can put your own ideas forward, discuss, and listen to the views of others.

People sometimes ask questions that probe beneath ordinary, everyday matters, such as: ‘How did I come to be here?’ ‘What makes a good life, or a good person?’ ‘Is there a God?’ or ‘What makes some things right and other things wrong?’ These questions are Philosophical Questions.

If you like the idea of discussing these kinds of questions, Philosophy for Beginners will interest you. Socrates famously said “The unexamined life is not worth living.” When you ‘do philosophy,’ you examine the values that you live by, making your life richer and more meaningful.

Philosophy for Beginners

Philosophy for Beginners does not require any pre-requisites. In fact, the course is not for seasoned philosophers. It assumes a ‘beginners mind’ and starts from scratch. All you need is a curious, open mind and a willingness to engage in thinking and discussion, as well as listening respectfully to others. Each week, a topic is presented, with suggested discussion questions. There is also an invitation to choose your own questions. The aim is not to find agreement, but to find meaning. When differences of opinion remain, Philosophy helps you to understand why.

Delivery

Philosophy for Beginners is offered periodically face-to-face and over Zoom. Module 1 introduces Philosophy and its major areas of interest. Modules 2-5 offer more topics for exploration. You receive comprehensive notes for each module. The course is ideal for people who have never done Philosophy before. Topics are explained in simple language so you can understand them easily. But you’ll also learn some Philosophy terms that you’re likely to come across so you know what they mean when you do. During sessions you will explore the major areas of Philosophy, such as Existence, Ethics and Knowledge.

See also links:

About Socrates
About Philosophy
Nelsonian Socratic Dialogue

And downloadable PDFs:

About Philosophy 2023
Nelsonian Socratic Dialogue 2019

Keep a watch out for the next course availability.

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Between Stimulus and Response, man has the freedom to choose (Stephen Covey)