Introduction to Philosophy
Course code
HIF6353.HT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Sissejuhatus filosoofiasse
Course title in English
Introduction to Philosophy
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
The course provides an introductory overview of modern and contemporary philosophical thought and its key issues. Its objectives are to:
- introduce the fundamental questions and central concepts of philosophy that help in understanding the world, human experience, and ways of generating knowledge;
- develop the ability to approach complex problems critically and creatively;
- offer an opportunity to see how philosophy connects with other fields, such as science, art, culture, and technology.
- introduce the fundamental questions and central concepts of philosophy that help in understanding the world, human experience, and ways of generating knowledge;
- develop the ability to approach complex problems critically and creatively;
- offer an opportunity to see how philosophy connects with other fields, such as science, art, culture, and technology.
Brief description of the course
The course offers a historical insight into the fundamental questions and methods of modern and contemporary Western philosophy, focusing primarily on classical thinkers and schools of thought (including Hume, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Russell, Frege, Heidegger, Sartre, as well as empiricism, romanticism, positivism, pragmatism, existentialism, and analytical philosophy). In addition, the course provides interdisciplinary perspectives, demonstrating how philosophical ideas have influenced the development of science, political theories, society and its values, art, and culture. Discussions and independent assignments encourage students to apply philosophy to other areas of life and personal experience. Together, we will explore fundamental philosophical questions such as: What is the nature of knowledge and truth? How can we distinguish between reality and appearance? How can we conceptualize justice, morality, and freedom? What is the role of philosophy in the modern world?
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- is familiar with the major philosophers, philosophical schools, and key ideas of modern and contemporary philosophy and can summarize, compare, and critically analyze them;
- understands and can analyze the primary ontological, metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions in philosophy;
- has acquired foundational knowledge of philosophical key concepts;
- has developed critical and creative thinking skills and the ability to clearly and persuasively express ideas both orally and in writing;
- is prepared to independently discuss philosophical questions and understands their connections to various fields and broader societal issues.
- is familiar with the major philosophers, philosophical schools, and key ideas of modern and contemporary philosophy and can summarize, compare, and critically analyze them;
- understands and can analyze the primary ontological, metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions in philosophy;
- has acquired foundational knowledge of philosophical key concepts;
- has developed critical and creative thinking skills and the ability to clearly and persuasively express ideas both orally and in writing;
- is prepared to independently discuss philosophical questions and understands their connections to various fields and broader societal issues.
Teacher
Liisi Keedus
Study programmes containing that course