Course details

This course aims to provide participants with a basic introduction to the most important figures and ideas in Western philosophy. By dealing with the subject chronologically, we will see how philosophy developed as a discipline within which questions raised by thinkers within the Classical world remain relevant today. While acquiring insights into the works of individual thinkers, participants will also learn how philosophy can cultivate our critical thinking abilities.

Course Content

  • The Pre-Socratics on the Nature of the Universe.
  • Socrates and Plato: The Examined Life and the Philosopher-King.
  • Aristotle: The Desire to Understand.
  • Augustine and Aquinas: On the Existence of God.
  • Descartes: Rationalism and the origins of Modern Philosophy.
  • Locke, Berkeley, and the Development of Empiricism.
  • Hume: An Apologia for Scepticism.
  • Kant and the Bounds of Knowledge.
  • Hegel and Schopenhauer: The Varieties of Idealism.
  • Nietzsche: The ‘Death of God’.
  • Heidegger and Sartre: Death and Freedom.
  • Wittgenstein and the Philosophy of Language.
  • Rorty: The Man who Killed Truth?
Updated on 08 November, 2015

About Waterford College of Further Education

Located in the heart of Waterford City, WCFE offers the largest range of Further Education courses in the South East. Over the past , the College has increased its and in excess students, in the current academic year. This reflects the College’s excellent reputation for providing high quality courses leading directly to employment or third-level education. Our state of the art facilities and motivated teaching staff allow us to provide you with the opportunity to pursue your personal and academic goals. They Theylcome students of all ages, abilities and nationalities and promise to provide you with a learning environment which is both innovative and supportive.

WCFE graduates enjoy professional qualifications certified and accredited by national and internationally recognised examining and professional bodies.

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