Overview

The BA (Hons) Philosophy examines fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, morality, reasoning, and human existence. Students engage with influential philosophical ideas and competing viewpoints while developing the ability to analyse arguments, question assumptions, and form carefully reasoned conclusions.

What You'll Learn

• Major areas of philosophy, including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and logic

• Philosophical questions concerning knowledge, reality, and existence

• Moral theories and debates about values, responsibility, and action

• Reasoning, argumentation, and approaches to logical analysis

• Historical and contemporary philosophical thinkers and traditions

• Different perspectives on mind, language, society, and human experience

• Methods for interpreting and evaluating philosophical arguments

• Critical discussion of complex and contested philosophical issues

• Independent research and the development of evidence-based philosophical arguments

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain important philosophical concepts, theories, and arguments and distinguish between competing approaches to fundamental questions. They will be able to analyse arguments systematically, identify assumptions and weaknesses, and assess the quality of different lines of reasoning. Students will develop the ability to interpret philosophical texts critically and place ideas within their appropriate intellectual contexts. They will also be able to formulate their own positions on philosophical questions, support them with clear reasoning, and respond thoughtfully to alternative viewpoints. The course will strengthen analytical, research, and communication skills, enabling students to approach complex problems with intellectual clarity, logical discipline, and a willingness to examine different perspectives.