Introduction to Philosophy

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

1. 01

   Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

   Doing Philosophy

   1. 1.1

      What philosophy is

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define philosophy and explain its significance in understanding fundamental questions.

      • Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
      • It encourages critical thinking and the examination of beliefs and assumptions.
      • Philosophy has various branches, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic.
   2. 1.2

      Validity, soundness & fallacies

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can differentiate between validity, soundness, and common logical fallacies.

      • Validity refers to the structure of an argument where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
      • Soundness is a property of arguments that are both valid and have true premises.
      • Common logical fallacies include ad hominem, straw man, and slippery slope.
   3. 1.3

      Reading a philosophical text

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can effectively read and analyze a philosophical text, identifying key arguments and concepts.

      • Identify the main thesis and supporting arguments in a philosophical text.
      • Understand the context in which the text was written and its relevance to philosophical discussions.
      • Analyze the language and terminology used to convey complex ideas.
2. 02

   Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

   Knowledge

   1. 2.1

      What is knowledge?

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define knowledge and explain its components.

      • Knowledge is traditionally defined as justified true belief.
      • The components of knowledge include belief, truth, and justification.
      • Understanding the difference between knowledge and opinion.
   2. 2.2

      Skepticism & Descartes

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze Descartes' skepticism and its implications for knowledge.

      • Skepticism questions the possibility of certain knowledge.
      • René Descartes famously stated 'Cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am).
      • Descartes' method of doubt as a way to establish certainty.
   3. 2.3

      Rationalism vs. empiricism

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can compare and contrast rationalism and empiricism.

      • Rationalism emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge.
      • Empiricism emphasizes sensory experience as the foundation of knowledge.
      • Key philosophers associated with rationalism include Descartes and Spinoza, while empiricism is linked to Locke and Hume.
3. 03

   Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

   Mind, Self & Freedom

   1. 3.1

      The mind–body problem

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the mind-body problem and its significance in philosophy.

      • Define the mind-body problem and its historical context.
      • Discuss dualism and physicalism as responses to the mind-body problem.
      • Examine key philosophers' views on the mind-body relationship.
   2. 3.2

      Personal identity

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the concept of personal identity and its implications.

      • Define personal identity and its importance in philosophy.
      • Explore psychological continuity and bodily continuity theories.
      • Discuss the implications of personal identity on moral responsibility.
   3. 3.3

      Free will & determinism

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the concepts of free will and determinism.

      • Define free will and determinism and their philosophical significance.
      • Examine compatibilism and incompatibilism in the free will debate.
      • Discuss the implications of free will on moral accountability.
4. 04

   Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

   God & Religion

   1. 4.1

      Arguments for God’s existence

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain various arguments for the existence of God.

      • Define the cosmological argument and its implications.
      • Outline the teleological argument and its significance.
      • Discuss the moral argument and its relevance to belief in God.
   2. 4.2

      The problem of evil

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the problem of evil in relation to the existence of God.

      • Define the problem of evil and its philosophical implications.
      • Examine the logical problem of evil versus the evidential problem of evil.
      • Discuss responses to the problem of evil, including theodicies.
   3. 4.3

      Faith & reason

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the relationship between faith and reason.

      • Define faith and reason and their roles in belief systems.
      • Discuss historical perspectives on faith and reason.
      • Analyze contemporary debates regarding the compatibility of faith and reason.
5. 05

   Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

   Ethics

   1. 5.1

      Consequentialism & utilitarianism

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the principles of consequentialism and utilitarianism.

      • Define consequentialism as an ethical theory that judges actions by their outcomes.
      • Explain utilitarianism as a form of consequentialism that focuses on maximizing overall happiness.
      • Discuss key figures in utilitarianism, such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
      • Differentiate between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism.
   2. 5.2

      Kant & deontology

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can articulate the main tenets of Kantian ethics and deontology.

      • Define deontology as an ethical theory that emphasizes duties and rules.
      • Explain Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative and its role in moral decision-making.
      • Discuss the importance of intention in Kantian ethics.
      • Differentiate between hypothetical imperatives and categorical imperatives.
   3. 5.3

      Virtue ethics & applied issues

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can apply virtue ethics to contemporary ethical issues.

      • Define virtue ethics as an ethical theory that emphasizes character and virtues.
      • Discuss key virtues according to Aristotle, such as courage, temperance, and justice.
      • Explore how virtue ethics can be applied to modern ethical dilemmas, such as business ethics and environmental ethics.
      • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of virtue ethics in addressing applied issues.