About Philosophy

Philosophy is the systematic attempt to answer questions about the nature of the world, our place in it, moral standards, methods of reasoning, and much more. Philosophy asks questions such as: is there really an external world, or could our experience be just 'virtual'? Could we ever know? If so, how? What exactly is a person? Do persons have to be humans? What is the relation between mind and body? Can we know what is in the minds of others, or even if they have minds? What is justice? Is there a single set of correct moral standards? If so, what is it? Or, if there are multiple acceptable moralities, where do they come from, and how do we decide which to adopt? What exactly is science? Is it infallible? How should scientific theories affect our lives? What is truth? Meaning? Is there any meaning to life? If so, what might it be? What is a good life?

In philosophy such questions are approached rigorously and analytically. Hardly any philosophical question has a 'correct' answer agreed on by all, but this does not mean that in philosophy anything goes. There are some very good answers as well as some very bad ones, and many in between. Philosophers justify their views with careful arguments, rather than relying on current orthodoxy. Moreover, philosophers have asked these questions for a very long time, and in many of the world's cultures. The study of philosophy involves not only individual speculative thought but also careful consideration of the many previous attempts.

Most students have not studied philosophy before coming to university. You may nevertheless find that philosophy is just the place where some of the unusual questions you have thought about or asked are being explored and addressed. Studying philosophy gives you a unique opportunity to exercise your brain and satisfy your intellectual curiosity about the Big Questions.

Some reasons for studying philosophy

Perhaps the greatest benefit of studying philosophy is the satisfaction that comes from thinking clearly on fundamental issues. This makes the study of philosophy its own reward. However there are also other reasons for studying philosophy. Philosophy provides knowledge of our intellectual heritage, and of major issues concerning the nature of ourselves and the world.

Studying philosophy will help you to develop your powers of constructive, creative and critical reasoning. It will also help you to express yourself more clearly, and give you the ability to address complex and difficult problems. Plus, the skills and knowledge you will gain from studying philosophy will help you to be a better student in other subjects. And your skills and knowledge will be directly relevant, and transferable, to almost every walk of intellectual and practical life.

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