Philosophy Guide for Beginners from Udemy

For thousands of years, wise men and women have contemplated the universe, the role of people on this planet, and life after death. They've studied scientific phenomena, the essence of things, reasoning, beliefs, fallacies, critical thinking, and the dynamics of economies, societies, culture, human rights, and behavior.

Today, you will learn about the most compelling ideas, the most prominent philosophers, and the most controversial debates between those influential figures.

Western philosophy has left its mark on history. From ideologists attempting to alter economic systems and structures to wise men from Greece and Rome who discovered truths beyond our imagination, these classes will help you on your journey to become a better critical thinker, a logical, wiser analyst, and someone with a deeper appreciation for life, nature, and the mysteries of the universe.

We will dive deeper into philosophical movements such as humanism, rationalism, Marxism, naturalism, deconstructionism, phenomenology, transcendentalism, hedonism, skepticism, metaphysics, epistemology, feminism, stoicism, empiricism, existentialism, and many others. During these classes, I have tried to highlight multiple perspectives and leave things open for discussion.

This course will address ideas and biographies of famous philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Zeno, Marcus Aurelius, William of Ockham, Voltaire, Sartre, John Locke, Bertrand Russell, Martha Nussbaum, Friedrich Nietzsche, Hegel, Descartes, Immanuel Kant, Margaret Fuller, Edith Stein, Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci, Karl Marx, and dozens of others.

Please consider learning from history's most gifted, intellectual geniuses. Join me on an adventure to study their inspirational breakthroughs, their occasional fallacies, and their lengthy processes to reach novel conclusions and revolutionary adjustments to society, religion, and science.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Overview and the Concept of Philosophy

Ancient Greek Philosophy

Ancient Greece

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what should give you pause

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Provides an overview of numerous philosophical movements, such as humanism, rationalism, and existentialism, which gives learners a broad understanding of the field

Explores the ideas and biographies of famous philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Kant, offering learners a solid foundation in the history of philosophy

Covers a wide range of topics, from ancient Greek philosophy to postmodernism, which allows learners to explore different eras and schools of thought

Includes discussions of stoicism and its key figures like Zeno and Marcus Aurelius, which may appeal to learners interested in practical philosophy and ethics

Presents a brief overview of feminist philosophy, which may be too brief for learners seeking a comprehensive understanding of the topic

Touches on various philosophical concepts, but may require learners to seek additional resources for a deeper understanding of complex ideas

Reviews summary

Overview of philosophy basics

According to learners, this course serves as a broad introduction to major philosophers and movements in Western philosophy. Students appreciate the accessibility and clear lectures, finding it a good starting point for beginners with no prior knowledge. However, a common critique is the lack of depth; some feel the course moves too quickly, offering only a superficial overview rather than deep engagement with ideas. Many reviewers suggest it functions best as a survey, requiring additional self-study for true understanding. The quizzes are generally noted as basic recall tests. Overall, it's viewed as a valuable, if introductory, map of the philosophical landscape.

Clear, easy for new learners.

"This course was exactly what I needed as a complete novice."

"The lectures are clear and easy to follow."

"The instructor makes it approachable."

"Good introduction... I appreciate the attempt to make complex ideas accessible."

Surveys many philosophers & ideas.

"It provides a fantastic overview of major philosophers and movements."

"Good introduction, covers a lot of ground. I appreciate the attempt to make complex ideas accessible."

"The breadth is impressive, hitting many big names from Plato to Nietzsche."

"Useful as a survey. It gives you a lot of names and concepts to then go research on your own."

"As someone with zero background, this course was a perfect entry point. It's comprehensive in scope..."

Quizzes are simple recall tests.

"The quizzes were simple checks of understanding."

"The quizzes are basic recall."

"The quizzes were basic recall and didn't test understanding."

"The quizzes are pointless."

Content is superficial, lacks detail.

"Sometimes felt a bit rushed, moving quickly from one philosopher to the next. I wish some sections were a bit more in-depth."

"Doesn't really teach you *how* to think philosophically or engage with the material critically."

"Found this course quite superficial. It names many philosophers but gives only a very brief mention of their ideas."

"This course is terrible. It jumps all over the place, provides minimal detail on any philosopher..."

"...moves so fast! I felt like I was constantly trying to keep up. It's a decent intro, but be prepared to do significant additional reading outside the course..."

"The content felt very rushed, sacrificing depth for breadth."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Philosophy Guide for Beginners with these activities:

Review Ancient Greek History

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Strengthen your understanding of the historical context in which many philosophical ideas originated. This will provide a richer understanding of the philosophers and their ideas.

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Read a summary of Ancient Greek history, focusing on the period from 800 BCE to 300 BCE.
Identify key events and figures that influenced Greek thought.
Take a short quiz to test your knowledge.

Review Ancient Greek Philosophers

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Strengthen your understanding of the foundational figures in Western philosophy before diving into the course material. This will provide a solid base for understanding later philosophical developments.

Browse courses on Socrates

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Read summaries of key philosophers.
Review their major ideas and contributions.
Take a practice quiz on key concepts.

Read 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder

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Gain a broad understanding of the history of philosophy through an engaging narrative. This book covers many of the philosophers and movements discussed in the course.

View Sophie's World (FSG Classics) on Amazon

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Read a few chapters each week.
Take notes on the key philosophical ideas presented.
Discuss the book with others.

Nine other activities

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Read 'The Republic' by Plato

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Gain a deeper understanding of Plato's philosophy by reading his most famous work. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding his contributions to Western thought.

View The Republic (Signature Editions) on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Republic'.
Read the book, taking notes on key arguments and concepts.
Reflect on how Plato's ideas relate to contemporary issues.

Read 'The Consolations of Philosophy' by Alain de Botton

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Gain a practical understanding of how philosophical ideas can be applied to everyday life. This book provides accessible insights into the works of several philosophers covered in the course.

View A Therapeutic Journey on Amazon

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Read a chapter per week.
Reflect on how the ideas relate to your life.
Discuss the concepts with others.

Write a short essay on Stoicism

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Solidify your understanding of Stoicism by writing an essay that summarizes its key principles and its relevance to modern life. This will help you internalize the concepts and apply them to your own life.

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Research Stoicism, focusing on its core tenets and key figures.
Outline your essay, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Write the essay, providing examples and supporting arguments.
Revise and edit your essay for clarity and accuracy.

Debate philosophical concepts with peers

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Deepen your understanding of philosophical arguments by engaging in structured debates with other students. This will improve your critical thinking and communication skills.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Choose a philosophical topic to debate.
Research and prepare arguments for both sides.
Conduct the debate, taking turns presenting arguments and rebuttals.

Discuss Existentialism with peers

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Deepen your understanding of Existentialism by discussing its complex concepts with other students. This will expose you to different perspectives and help you clarify your own understanding.

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Form a study group with other students in the course.
Choose a specific topic within Existentialism to discuss, such as authenticity or freedom.
Share your thoughts and interpretations of the topic.
Listen to and engage with the perspectives of your peers.

Create a glossary of philosophical terms

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Reinforce your understanding of key philosophical concepts by creating a comprehensive glossary. This will serve as a valuable reference tool throughout the course and beyond.

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Identify key philosophical terms from the course materials.
Research and define each term in your own words.
Provide examples of how each term is used in philosophical discourse.
Organize the glossary alphabetically.

Read 'Beyond Good and Evil' by Nietzsche

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Explore Nietzsche's complex and challenging ideas by reading one of his most influential works. This will provide a deeper understanding of his critique of traditional morality and his vision for a new philosophy.

View The Genealogy of Morals on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Beyond Good and Evil'.
Read the book carefully, paying attention to Nietzsche's unique writing style and terminology.
Reflect on the implications of Nietzsche's ideas for your own values and beliefs.

Write a short essay on your personal philosophy

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Synthesize what you've learned in the course by articulating your own philosophical beliefs. This will help you solidify your understanding of different philosophical perspectives and develop your critical thinking skills.

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Reflect on your core values and beliefs.
Research philosophical concepts that align with your views.
Outline your essay with a clear thesis statement.
Write and revise your essay.

Research and present on a contemporary philosophical issue

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Apply your philosophical knowledge to a current issue by conducting research and presenting your findings. This will enhance your analytical and communication skills.

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Choose a contemporary issue with philosophical implications.
Research the issue from multiple philosophical perspectives.
Prepare a presentation outlining your findings and analysis.
Present your research to classmates or a wider audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Philosophy Guide for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ethicist

An ethicist analyzes moral issues and dilemmas, often within specific professional fields or societal contexts. This often involves critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a deep understanding of different philosophical perspectives. A course like Philosophy Guide for Beginners may introduce the major philosophical frameworks relevant to ethical decision making. The course touches on areas like utilitarianism and liberalism, which provide a foundation for evaluating ethical frameworks. Furthermore, this course introduces figures like Martha Nussbaum, a prominent contemporary ethicist, who serves as an influential example for aspiring ethicists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethicist

Political Scientist

Political scientists study the theory and practice of politics and government. They conduct research, analyze data, and develop theories on a wide range of topics, such as political ideologies, public policy, and international relations. A course like Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help hone these skills. The course's overview of liberalism, Marxism, and other ideologies provides a bedrock for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of political systems. Exposure to thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Karl Marx, as provided by the Philosophy Guide for Beginners, is invaluable for anyone wishing to pursue a career as a political scientist.

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Public Policy Advisor

Public policy advisors develop and recommend policies to address social, economic, and political issues. They apply critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate existing policies and propose improvements. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help build a strong foundation for this career. The course's exploration of utilitarianism, liberalism, and justice provides frameworks for evaluating the impact of policies on different groups. The Philosophy Guide for Beginners course includes figures like John Rawls, whose theories of justice are highly relevant to public policy development. This course may be useful to those aspiring to become public policy advisors.

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Nonprofit Director

Nonprofit directors lead organizations dedicated to social causes, managing staff, fundraising, and implementing programs. A strong understanding of ethical principles, social justice issues, and community needs is vital for this role. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help aspiring nonprofit directors. The course's coverage of utilitarianism, liberalism, and feminist philosophy provides frameworks for addressing social problems. The course introduces figures like Peter Singer and Martha Nussbaum, whose work is highly relevant to the nonprofit sector.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, conduct research, and represent clients in court. Strong analytical skills, logical reasoning, and a deep understanding of ethical principles are essential for success in this profession. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help aspiring lawyers. The course's emphasis on logic, reasoning, and different schools of thought provides a foundation for legal analysis and argumentation. The course touches on liberalism and justice, which are central to legal theory and practice.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They may specialize in a particular period, region, or topic, and they use primary and secondary sources to reconstruct and understand historical events and trends. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may provide a unique lens through which to examine history. The course introduces the philosophical movements that shaped different eras. Additionally, this course exposes students to the influential thinkers who shaped history, thereby providing invaluable context for historical research and analysis.

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Journalist

Journalists investigate and report on current events, presenting information clearly and accurately to the public. Critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of ethical principles are crucial for this role. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may strengthen these skills. The course's emphasis on critical thinking and logical reasoning helps journalists evaluate sources, identify biases, and present balanced perspectives. The course's exploration of philosophical movements like postmodernism may help journalists understand competing narratives and power dynamics within society.

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Management Consultant

Management consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. They analyze business problems, develop and implement solutions, and provide strategic recommendations. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may foster critical thinking skills. The course's emphasis on logical reasoning and problem-solving may help consultants approach complex challenges. The course's coverage of thinkers like Adam Smith may provide insight into economic systems.

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Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee employee relations, recruitment, and training within an organization. Understanding ethical considerations, employee motivation, and organizational behavior is crucial for this role. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help those in this field. The course's exploration of humanism, existentialism, and different philosophical perspectives on human nature can inform HR practices. Furthermore, the course's coverage of thinkers like Marx and Adam Smith may help an HR Manager think about worker satisfaction and productivity.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans and policies for the growth and revitalization of cities and communities. They consider factors such as transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help urban planners. The course's emphasis on social justice, sustainability, and the common good provides a framework for ethical decision-making in urban development. The course touches on liberalism and utilitarianism, which are relevant when creating policy at the municipal level.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists advocate for specific interests and policies to government officials. Success requires a deep understanding of the political landscape, persuasive communication skills, and ethical awareness. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help strengthen these qualities. The course's exploration of different political ideologies and philosophical perspectives can inform lobbying strategies. This course gives a sense of the philosophical arguments that sway policymakers.

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Copywriter

Copywriters create persuasive content for advertising, marketing, and promotional materials. Strong writing skills, a creative mindset, and an understanding of consumer behavior are essential for this role. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help copywriters. The course's focus on rhetoric and argumentation may enhance persuasive writing skills. This course may foster creativity and awareness of social and philosophical trends, which is a plus in the field of copywriting.

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Translator

Translators convert written or spoken material from one language to another. They must have strong linguistic skills and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may indirectly support this career. It may sharpen their analytical skills through the analysis of philosophical concepts and terminology. Because translation is not always word-for-word, this course may improve one's ability to understand subtle distinctions of meaning.

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Librarian

Librarians assist people in finding information and resources. They may work in public libraries, academic institutions, or specialized collections. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may help one to become a librarian. The course provides exposure to a broad range of intellectual and philosophical concepts. A librarian in particular needs to be generally aware of many fields of study.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records and documents. They organize, describe, and make accessible materials of enduring value. Philosophy Guide for Beginners may indirectly help one become an archivist. By delving into the ideas and biographies of famous philosophers, the course may promote an appreciation for the lasting impact of individuals and their ideas. This appreciation for intellectual heritage may motivate one to preserve historical materials.

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Reading list

We've selected four books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Philosophy Guide for Beginners.

The Republic

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Plato's 'Republic' cornerstone of Western philosophy, exploring justice, order, and the ideal state. It provides essential context for understanding Plato's philosophical system and its influence on subsequent thinkers. Reading this book will significantly deepen your understanding of Plato's ideas as discussed in the course. It is often used as a textbook in philosophy courses.

The Republic (Signature Editions)

Kindle Edition

The Genealogy of Morals

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Nietzsche's 'Beyond Good and Evil' challenges traditional morality and explores concepts like the will to power and the Übermensch. provides a deeper understanding of Nietzsche's philosophy, which is often misunderstood. It is best read after gaining a basic understanding of Nietzsche's key ideas from the course. This book adds more depth to the course.

The Genealogy of Morals

Kindle Edition

Sophie's World

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This novel provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the history of philosophy. Through the story of a young girl who receives mysterious letters, the book explores the ideas of major philosophers from ancient Greece to the 20th century. It is particularly useful for providing a broad overview of philosophical concepts and movements, making it an excellent supplementary text for this course. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

Sophie's World (FSG Classics)

Paperback

A Therapeutic Journey

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Offers a modern and accessible introduction to the ideas of six great philosophers: Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Nietzsche, and Schopenhauer. It demonstrates how their wisdom can be applied to everyday problems and challenges. While not a comprehensive academic text, it provides a practical and engaging overview of key philosophical concepts, making it a valuable supplementary read for this course.

A Therapeutic Journey

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A Therapeutic Journey

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Philosophy Guide for Beginners

What's inside

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Reviews summary

Overview of philosophy basics

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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