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2024/25
2025/26

Philosophy

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Philosophy student Hamish talks about his Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme experience

What is the best way to live? What can we know about the world and ourselves? What is the true nature of reality? Examine some of our most fundamental ideas about truth, reality, right and wrong and challenge society's views about them.

If you enjoy a challenging debate or continually question the world we live in and how we live, philosophy could well be the subject for you.

Philosophy is an examination of the reasoning behind our views on a wide range of big topics, such as how one should live, what humans can know and the nature of reality. It challenges many of our assumptions about what we know and how we should live. It is concerned with how different views of the world clash or fit together, and with how different perspectives – moral, scientific, religious, metaphysical, personal – may be reconciled.

Studying philosophy will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, to analyse and present complex ideas, and to challenge your own views and those of other people.

Our lecturers are experts in a wide variety of philosophical topics. Their particular strengths lie in moral philosophy and philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.

We teach you the skills you need step-by-step, so that you are prepared for modules in specialised areas of philosophy, taught by leading experts, and featuring strong input from their research.

A lively and friendly department awaits you. There is always lots going on, both academically and socially — weekly visiting speakers, a thriving, student-run Philosophy Society and opportunities for work placements and study abroad.

You will graduate with skills in clear thinking, logical analysis and the critical assessment of argument. These skills are greatly valued in a variety of professional careers such as law, politics, management and marketing. We offer flexible degrees, which you can tailor to your interests as they develop.

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