An Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy

Course Overview

This course will introduce you to some of the debates and methods in contemporary philosophy. You will become familiar with the dominant schools of philosophy and understand some of the methodological differences between them, especially Analytic and Continental Philosophy.

The course will focus in on Ethics, Political Philosophy and The Philosophy of Technology, and show how different philosophers approach these topics. In this way, the course will afford teachers a space to consider some of the issues that concern philosophers today, and also allow them to reflect on how this might inform their own teaching practice. It uses vivid and colourful examples that can be adapted to the classroom settings and gives examples of philosophical debates that encourage critical thinking.

Learning outcomes

• Discover the most famous and relevant debates and methods in Contemporary Philosophy.
• Learn about the dominant schools of philosophy and the differences between them.
• Focus on Ethics, Political Philosophy and the Philosophy of Technology.
• Consider issues relevant to education that concern philosophers today.
• Reflect on the work of teachers and schools from a philosophical perspective with a view to improving practice.