Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
PHL101Arts3 Unitsbeginner

Introduction To Philosophy

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy. It explores the meaning and nature of philosophy, its various branches, and its relationship to other disciplines. The course also examines issues within the African philosophical tradition and philosophical orientations in other traditions. Students will develop critical thinking skills and gain an understanding of philosophical inquiry.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

90h
Study Time
13
Weeks
7h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
PhilosophyMetaphysicsEpistemologyEthicsLogic

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Meaning of Philosophy

2

Branches of Philosophy

3

Philosophical Methods

4

Value of Philosophy

5

African Philosophical Tradition

6

Other Philosophical Traditions

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments (TMAs)

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Critical Thinker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Ethical Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationLawPoliticsConsultingResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Understanding Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Nature of Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit introduction and learning outcomes.
  • •Study the historical and language approaches to defining philosophy.
  • •Analyze the concepts of philosophy as questions, criticism, and change.
Week
2

Module 1: Understanding Philosophy

2h

Unit 2: Conceptions of Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Compare and contrast philosophy as a worldview, way of life, and academic discipline.
  • •Examine the contributions of Thales, Lucretius, and Hegel.
  • •Reflect on the role of philosophy in guiding human life.
Week
3

Module 1: Understanding Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: Features of Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Identify and explain the basic features of philosophy: analysis, clarity, criticism, coherence, and conciseness.
  • •Understand the role of logic and argumentation in philosophical discourse.
  • •Analyze the importance of language in philosophical expression.
Week
4

Module 1: Understanding Philosophy

2h

Unit 4: Method of Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Compare and contrast philosophical methods with scientific methods.
  • •Study the Socratic, dialectical, Cartesian, phenomenological, and speculative methods.
  • •Apply these methods to philosophical problems.
Week
5

Module 2: The Value of Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: The Value of Philosophy to the Individual who Studies it

2 study hours
  • •Examine the value of epistemology, logic, ethics, and metaphysics to the individual.
  • •Reflect on how philosophy enhances understanding, problem-solving, and moral reasoning.
Week
6

Module 2: The Value of Philosophy

2h

Unit 2: The Value of Philosophy to Other Disciplines

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the value of philosophy to law, education, religion, and business.
  • •Analyze how philosophy informs ethical decision-making and critical thinking in various disciplines.
Week
7

Module 2: The Value of Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: The Value of Philosophy to the Society

2 study hours
  • •Examine the value of epistemology, logic, ethics, and metaphysics to society.
  • •Discuss how philosophy promotes peaceful coexistence, critical thinking, and social progress.
Week
8

Module 2: The Value of Philosophy

2h

Unit 4: Political philosophy and social engineering

2 study hours
  • •Explore the relationship between political philosophy and social engineering.
  • •Discuss the views of political philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, Rawls, and Nyerere.
  • •Analyze the relevance of democracy, human rights, justice, and the rule of law to societal development.
Week
9

Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines

2h

Unit 1: The concern of philosophy with other disciplines

2 study hours
  • •Understand philosophy as a second-order activity.
  • •Examine the relationship between philosophy and other disciplines.
  • •Discuss the role of philosophy in critical analysis and interdisciplinary integration.
Week
10

Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines

2h

Unit 2: Philosophy of religion

2 study hours
  • •Explore the relationship between philosophy and religion.
  • •Analyze the idea of God and the human search for God.
  • •Discuss the philosophical implications of religious beliefs and practices.
Week
11

Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines

2h

Unit 3: Philosophy of science

2 study hours
  • •Examine the relationship between philosophy and science.
  • •Understand the features and aims of science.
  • •Discuss the scientific method and its limitations.
Week
12

Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines

2h

Unit 4: Philosophy of the social sciences

2 study hours
  • •Explore the relationship between philosophy and the social sciences.
  • •Understand the notion of the social sciences.
  • •Discuss the role of critical theory in social analysis.
Week
13

Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Work on assignments and TMAs.
  • •Prepare for final examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of key philosophical terms from Unit 1

2

Create concept maps linking branches of philosophy (Module 4)

3

Practice identifying logical fallacies from Unit 2 weekly

4

Summarize the main arguments for and against African philosophy (Module 5)

5

Compare and contrast different philosophical traditions (Module 6) in essay format

Related Courses

Other courses in Arts that complement your learning

FRE111

Language Laboratory Work/Oral French I

2 Units
CRS122

Types Of Theology

2 Units
ARA112

Arabic Conversation Ii

2 Units
View All Arts Courses