What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is a challenging academic discipline which requires the student to explore abstract concepts as well as the background to our contemporary value systems. Philosophy addresses questions such as 'What sort of things can we know, and by what methods?', 'What are values and how are they related to facts about the world?', 'When are arguments valid and logical?', 'Are there any grounds for belief in a divine creator?
What other subjects go well with Philosophy?
Philosophy combines well with a varied range of subjects including Religious Studies, Psychology, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Politics, History, English and Mathematics
What will I gain from studying the subject?
All people are involved in the study of philosophy, perhaps without realising it; questions of identity, meaning, belief and understanding are philosophical ones. Students acquire a knowledge and understanding of a variety of seminal philosophical texts which inform them in addressing these questions. The habits of study and analysis learnt on the course will be of benefit in a very wide range of degree courses and careers, not least because they encourage students to think about who they are and who they want to be.
Do I have an aptitude for the subject?
Philosophy is a suitable subject for anyone with an open and enquiring mind. The broad range of topics it addresses and the opportunity to question the nature of being and existence, make this a fascinating discipline for anyone who likes to assess the validity of ideas for themselves, rather than to accept particular explanations. The diversity of philosophy also makes it a subject that helps students evaluate material and construct clear arguments.