Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/zhexue-daolun
Are you curious about the fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, reality, and morality? Coursera’s ‘Introduction to Philosophy’ (中文版) course, designed by the Eidyn Centre for the Study of Mind, Language, and Society at the University of Edinburgh, offers a comprehensive and accessible gateway into the vast world of philosophical inquiry.
This course is structured to guide you through key areas of modern philosophy, with different philosophers presenting the most crucial questions within their respective fields. The journey begins with a foundational exploration of ‘What is Philosophy?’, delving into its unique goals, methods, and its distinction from other disciplines. It then systematically introduces you to major branches of philosophy:
* **Epistemology**: Explore the nature of knowledge and how we acquire it. The course tackles challenging questions like radical skepticism and how we can be certain of anything if contradictory possibilities cannot be ruled out.
* **Philosophy of Mind**: Ponder the profound question of what it means to have a mind. Are thoughts merely processes akin to computer programs, or something more? The course examines various philosophical perspectives on this enduring debate.
* **Moral Philosophy**: Delve into the essence of moral judgments. Are they objective truths about the world, or are they expressions of personal or cultural preferences? You’ll explore different viewpoints on the nature of good and bad.
* **Metaphysics**: Engage with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, using the intriguing possibility of time travel as a case study. Can we logically conceive of time travel, and what conditions would the universe need to meet for it to be possible?
The course also touches upon the philosophy of science, questioning the truthfulness of scientific theories and presenting the arguments of scientific realists and anti-realists. It even features a module on whether we should trust what we hear, examining the contrasting views of David Hume and Thomas Reid on testimony.
For those who wish to deepen their understanding, the course recommends the companion book ‘Philosophy for Everyone’ by Routledge, specifically created to complement the MOOC. This course is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in developing critical thinking skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for the questions that have occupied thinkers for centuries.
Highly recommended for its clear explanations, diverse topics, and expert instructors, this course is a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to refresh their philosophical knowledge.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/zhexue-daolun