Souls, minds and matter: An introduction to the philosophy of human nature

Key facts

  • Cost: £170
  • Credits: 10

Summary

When people say, “it’s just human nature”, what do they mean? Are we just destined to follow our evolutionary design and some kind of natural program that ‘runs’ on your brain? Or do you have a soul or free will? Can you make real choices in a world governed by natural laws and science? If you believe in the existence of God does that change how you approach choice and what you think being alive is? Is there a god? Is there space for belief in a world of scientific understanding? 

Join this reflective course to explore these and related questions by examining the answers offered by leading philosophers and scientists.  An ideal starting point for anyone new to philosophy and curious to learn more about the philosophy of the mind, religion and free will. 

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?

nyone 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: 14/01/2025 - 18/03/2025
    Day: Tuesday
    Time: 19:00 - 21:00
    Reference: Souls, minds and matter: An introduction to the philosophy of human nature(17877)- Online live book now