Philosophy of the self

Key facts

  • Cost: £170
  • Credits: 10

Summary

As Socrates once put it, ‘to know thyself is the beginning of wisdom’ but what is a ‘self’ and how can it examine itself? How often have we been influenced, surprised ourselves, changed our minds, or not wanted to see who we really are? Amid all the challenges of living, is it possible for anyone to understand their own nature and is it meaningful to try?  

Join this reflective course to contemplate anew the deceptively simple question of ‘who am I?’ To answer this question, explore several key figures in the Western Philosophical tradition, from the ancient Greeks to modern times, and examine their approaches to ‘the self’ and what it might mean. Overall, find an ideal starting point for anyone new to philosophy and curious to learn more.  

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

  • the key philosophical problems and arguments concerning the self, including: 
  • the nature of personal identity and self-knowledge 
  • the value of character and integrity 
  • the meaning of authenticity 
  • Introduce students to some of the key figures in the Western Philosophical tradition from Aristotle, Descartes, Hume and Sartre, to Freud, Foucault and others. 

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 self in the work of key figures in the Western Philosophical tradition from Classical to modern times 
  • 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 

  • How the ‘self’ is understood in other arts and humanities subjects including literature, art history, creative writing, classics, history or politics. 
  • philosophy, 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 
  • Political Philosophy: the nature of our relationship with power, the state, the law etc.. 
  • Phenomenology: searching for meaning and value in lived experience rather than abstract thinking 
  • 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 1,500 word essay (75% of final grade) 
  • One sentence prompt question/answer exercise (25% 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 complement your thinking about literature, art, culture, history and politics 
  • 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: 24/09/2024 - 26/11/2024
    Day: Tuesday
    Time: 19:00 - 21:00
    Reference: Philosophy of the self(8015)- Online live book now