Explore Philosophy
Philosophy examines careful reasoning about knowledge, value and human experience. This subject guide introduces the questions, methods and practical work that help learners understand the field before choosing a formal course of study.
A strong starting point is to connect logic with ethics. The first develops a foundation for reasoning; the second provides a setting in which to test ideas. Keep a learning journal that records assumptions, sources and questions that remain unresolved.
Four areas to investigate
Logic
Connect logic to the study of careful reasoning about knowledge, value and human experience. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Ethics
Connect ethics to the study of careful reasoning about knowledge, value and human experience. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Epistemology
Connect epistemology to the study of careful reasoning about knowledge, value and human experience. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Political philosophy
Connect political philosophy to the study of careful reasoning about knowledge, value and human experience. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Learn through inquiry
Develop and defend an argument about the responsibilities of technology designers.
Begin with a question narrow enough to investigate. Decide what evidence would support an answer, document the method and explain what further work would be needed.