Morality, nature and beauty: An introduction to the philosophy of value (replacing elementary logic)

Key facts

  • Cost: £170
  • Credits: 10

Summary

Can moral claims like “it’s wrong to steal” be true in one culture but false in another? What makes something right or wrong anyway, or do we behave as per our nature? How do we resolve moral controversies over such things as euthanasia, abortion, and the treatment of non-human animals? And what’s the relationship between moral values like right and wrong and aesthetic values like beauty? Is anything ever objectively good, natural or beautiful, or is it all in the eye of the beholder?  

Join this course to explore these profound questions of morality, nature and beauty and be introduced to how some of the major figures of Western philosophy, in the past and more recently, have tried to answer them. 

Over a series of talks and key texts, our expert tutor will explain: 

  • the key philosophical problems and arguments concerning the philosophy of the mind, religion and free will. 
  • Introduce students to some of the key philosophical debates and figures in the Western Philosophical tradition 
  • Introduce student to relevant key ideas from science  

You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars 

Choose this course if you want to learn: 

  • The basic philosophical problems and arguments concerning the mind, religion and free will. 
  • How to share your thinking in discussion and learn from others 
  • (if assessment taken) how to evaluate these ideas in writing and illustrate your thinking with examples 

Who is this course for?

Anyone curious about finding meaning in life and working out deeper ways to think, including those with an interest in philosophy, psychology and religion, including different topics and types, such as.. 

  • Epistemology: the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge 
  • Philosophy of Mind: what it means to have a mind, and how they should be understood 
  • Moral Philosophy: the nature of our moral judgements and reactions 
  • Metaphysics: the nature and origin of reality beyond our ability to objectively sense or understand it 

Qualifications/credits

(optional) 10 credits at SCQF 7 / Level 1 

Can contribute towards the attainment of Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education 

Assessment

If you opt to take the course for credit, this course is assessed by: 

  • One 2,000 word essay (100% of final grade) 

Mode of study

This 10-week course will be delivered via 2-hour seminars led by a tutor.

Course materials will be provided via our online learning platform Moodle 

Prospects

  • Start or develop your journey as a philosopher 
  • Can begin your study of philosophy at university level  
  • contribute towards a Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education 
  • can inform your personal reading list and introduce you to some informative ideas to make sense of life  

Find out more

The University holds open days throughout the year where you can meet with staff to discuss our short course provision. Find out more about University of Glasgow open days

Available sessions

  • Date: 08/04/2025 - 10/06/2025
    Day: Tuesday
    Time: 19:00 - 21:00
  • Tutor: Guillaume Andrieux

    • Reference: Morality, nature and beauty: An introduction to the philosophy of value (replacing elementary logic)(10498)- Online live book now