So, we’ve all been there: diving head-first into the vast ocean of knowledge, only to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it all. Philosophy is a subject that urges us to question the very fabric of our existence, contemplate the deep human consciousness, and well, have a good ol’ think. But when you’re staring down countless philosophical schools of thought, ancient texts, and substantial amounts of dense material, it feels more like drowning in an abyss rather than swimming on the shore.
Before you reach for the nearest rescue float, let me be your friendly lighthouse beckoning you towards enlightenment: the manageable, digestible kind. Enter the magic of *drumroll, please* — philosophy online courses! Yes, friends, we’re going digital to make philosophy not just accessible, but engaging and enjoyable too. And there’s good news: whether you’re a wide-eyed beginner or a seasoned philosopher debating existential matters in a Parisian café, there’s a course out there that’s a perfect fit for you. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the top philosophy online courses that are as enlightening as they are entry-friendly. So hold onto your Socrates’ Socks, because we’re setting sail on the sea of wisdom!
Philosophy Courses – Table of Contents
- Critical Thinker Academy: Learn to Think Like a Philosopher
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Philosophy and Psychology for the 21st Century
- Philosophy for Beginners
- Introduction to Moral Philosophy
- Nietzsche and Socrates
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Critical Thinker Academy: Learn to Think Like a Philosopher
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.6 out of 5
Learning how to think critically is essential for success in school, business, and life. This online course focuses on developing independent critical thinking skills, offering over 200 videos with more than 19 hours of viewing time. With an emphasis on practical importance, the course covers topics such as the importance of critical thinking, the difference between logic and argumentation, good and bad argument analysis, and the role of background knowledge in critical thinking.
Not only does the course delve into the human mind and how beliefs and decisions are formed, but it also addresses the impact of tribalism and political polarization on our critical thinking abilities. The course creator continuously adds new videos and modules, ensuring that the course continues to grow and adapt to the evolving understanding of critical thinking. By learning how to reason about chance and uncertainty, write strong argumentative essays, and properly cite sources, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in any educational or professional setting. So, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your critical thinking skills and stay updated with the latest information in this crucial field.
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding the importance of critical thinking
- Differentiating between logic and argumentation
- Evaluating the quality of arguments
- Applying background knowledge for better critical thinking
- Mastering techniques of argument analysis and reconstruction
- Recognizing the impact of tribalism and political polarization on critical thinking
- Reasoning about chance and uncertainty
- Writing an excellent argumentative essay and citing sources correctly
Introduction to Philosophy
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.4 out of 5
Looking for an engaging and comprehensive online course in the history of Western philosophy? You’ve got to check this one out! This course is perfect for anyone who wants to dive into the world of philosophy and gain a well-rounded understanding of its key authors, ideas, and themes. No matter if you’re a total beginner or someone looking to brush up on their philosophical knowledge, this course has you covered.
But what should you expect? The course is structured around lecture-style classes accompanied by slides and video of the instructor, ensuring an interactive and lively learning experience. You’ll journey from the beginnings of philosophy in Ancient Greece right up to the present day, exploring the most influential figures and their ideas along the way. Not only will you get a solid introduction to the field, but you’ll also come to appreciate its ongoing relevance and significance in today’s world. Don’t miss out on this fantastic educational opportunity!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding the history of Western philosophy
- Familiarity with key philosophical figures and their ideas
- Ability to identify philosophical themes within historical contexts
- Enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills
- Improved knowledge of philosophy’s real-world applications
- Strong comprehension of Ancient Greek philosophy
- Increased appreciation for the evolution of philosophical thought
- Capability to engage in well-rounded philosophical discussions
Philosophy and Psychology for the 21st Century
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.7 out of 5
Are you looking for a way to make philosophy relevant and useful in your life? This online course is designed to explore the practical side of philosophy, focusing specifically on how it can be applied to improve your life in the 21st century. Forget about those boring lectures and confusing technical jargon – this course aims to make philosophy accessible, enjoyable, and most importantly, applicable.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn what ancient philosophy has to teach us, as well as how to apply the best ideas from the Renaissance and the Enlightenment to modern life. You’ll discover a wealth of useful ideas shared by the greatest thinkers and philosophers throughout history – lessons that remain largely misunderstood or unused. Studying philosophy can change your life for the better, increasing your health, well-being, and happiness, and teaching you how to avoid the pitfalls of modern society. Don’t miss out on your chance to become the best version of yourself and build the life of your dreams – join the course and start applying the teachings of philosophy to your life today!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Applying ancient philosophy to modern life
- Learning from Renaissance and Enlightenment ideas
- Discovering useful, often misunderstood ideas from great thinkers
- Understanding how philosophy can positively impact your life
- Increasing health, well-being, and happiness through philosophy
- Recognizing and combatting modern society’s negative influences on happiness
- Becoming the best version of yourself and building your dream life
- Avoiding common causes of stress, anxiety, and fear in modern society
Philosophy for Beginners
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.7 out of 5
Dive into 2500 years of philosophical history with this intriguing online course! By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of basic philosophical ideas, schools, and approaches, as well as the most influential philosophers from around the world. The course is broken down into four major parts, each with two or three sections for easy comprehension.
In the first part, explore the origins of philosophy, why humans are the only species to have invented it, and the many branches within. Moving on to part two, you’ll learn about the origins and differences between Eastern and Western philosophy, including their emphasis on spirituality or rationality. Notable philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Buddha, Lao Tzu, and Confucius will be examined. In part three, delve into the philosophy of life and human civilization, discussing the works of renowned philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Bertrand Russell. Finally, in part four, tackle the question of knowledge and human motivation, discussing schools of thought such as European rationalism and British empiricism, and the philosophies of Hegel and Schopenhauer. This engaging course offers a comprehensive journey through the rich history of philosophy.
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding the origins and evolution of philosophy.
- Differentiating between Eastern and Western philosophical approaches.
- Familiarizing with key philosophers from both traditions.
- Grasping concepts of the philosophy of life and human civilization.
- Exploring the purpose of human life and civilization.
- Comparing European rationalism and British empiricism.
- Learning about Kant’s reconciliation of the two philosophies.
- Analyzing human motivation through sociological and psychological philosophical perspectives.
Introduction to Moral Philosophy
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.3 out of 5
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of moral philosophy with this engaging online course! Designed for beginners and those interested in philosophy, this course covers the principles of the three major moral theories – utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics – and how they can be applied to real-life ethical dilemmas. With accessible content and interactive activities, you’ll learn from key figures like Aristotle, Kant, and John Stuart Mill as you explore everything from the ethics of stealing to the origins of morality.
Structured around narrated slideshows and packed with images and additional resources, this course makes learning about moral philosophy both enjoyable and easy to understand. Participants can take part in a discussion group to share their thoughts and ideas and test their knowledge through multiple-choice quizzes. Plus, this course is based on the AQA’s 7172 A-Level Philosophy syllabus for the ‘Moral Philosophy’ module, so it’s an ideal resource for those studying or teaching these topics. For those interested in other areas of philosophy, the creator offers introductions to the Philosophy of Mind, Western Religion, and Epistemology as well. Happy learning!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understand the principles of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics.
- Apply moral theories to real-life ethical dilemmas, such as stealing and killing animals.
- Engage with meta-ethical questions and the concept of moral facts.
- Gain a foundational knowledge of key figures in moral philosophy, from Aristotle to Kant and John Stuart Mill.
- Analyze the possible origins of morality, including psychological and universal properties.
- Comprehend and evaluate moral statements and their connection to emotions.
- Effectively participate in discussions and debates related to moral philosophy concepts.
- Access and explore additional resources for deeper understanding and further learning in moral philosophy.
Nietzsche and Socrates
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.5 out of 5
Dive into the captivating world of ethics through the lens of Nietzsche and Socrates in this online course exploring their contrasting philosophical approaches. Examine the fundamental differences between Socrates’ belief in man as a rational being on a quest for knowledge of the good life, and Nietzsche’s perspective that ethics are rooted in values and expressions of commitment and creativity, rather than objective truths. Prepare to be inspired by the ideologies of these two influential figures in the history of Western civilization.
Created by the Petrarch Centre, LTD, this course provides not only a wealth of original content and instruction but also allows you access to external texts from the Perseus website, courtesy of Tufts University. Boost your knowledge and engage your mind in this thought-provoking journey through the realms of ethics, and unravel the complex ideas and legacies of these remarkable philosophers, Nietzsche and Socrates.
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding Socratic and Nietzschean approaches to ethics.
- Gaining knowledge about the good life in Socratic philosophy.
- Exploring the concept of values in Nietzsche’s philosophy.
- Analyzing the impact of Socrates and Nietzsche on Western civilization.
- Comparing and contrasting the ideas of Socrates and Nietzsche.
- Evaluating ethical commitments and creativity in philosophy.
- Recognizing the influence of Socrates and Nietzsche on modern thought.
- Developing critical thinking skills through the study of philosophical texts.
In conclusion, philosophy online courses can be a rewarding and enlightening experience – without breaking the bank! From sharpening critical thinking skills to diving into the world of ancient philosophy, these courses open up new pathways to expand your understanding of the world around you. Whether it’s through a casual podcast or an in-depth MOOC, there is a wealth of resources out there to help you broaden your mind and dive deeper into the centuries-old questions that still perplex us today.
So, why wait? Embrace your curiosity and begin exploring the world of philosophy through online courses tailored to your interests and schedule. As you engage with new ideas and thoughtful discussions, you’ll quickly discover that the benefits of studying philosophy go far beyond the classroom – they permeate every aspect of life, inspiring a lifelong love of learning and appreciation for the human experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive into the rich, ever-evolving landscape of philosophical thought right from the comfort of your own home. Happy philosophizing!