Have you ever wondered how the world's greatest thinkers shaped the way we understand truth, morality, existence, and the meaning of life? Our three-part Great Thinkers Series: Thinkers from Western and Eastern Philosophical Traditions invites you on a journey across centuries and continents to explore humanity's most profound questions through the eyes of philosophers from various traditions. The series introduces you to influential philosophers and philosophical traditions from both Western and Eastern contexts. Each course concentrates on key thinkers and ideas that have shaped human understanding of knowledge, ethics, reality and the human condition. You'll critically engage with primary texts and scholarly interpretations, fostering cross-cultural philosophical literacy and analytical skills. Through lively discussions, close readings of classic texts, and thoughtful debate, you'll discover diverse perspectives and surprising connections between East and West.
This five-week course examines key figures of the Western philosophical tradition, tracing its evolution from the Pre-Socratics and Classical Greek philosophers to Enlightenment thinkers. The focus is on the rise of metaphysics, ethics and epistemology. We will:
Introduce you to foundational Western philosophers and key texts
Develop critical reading skills for philosophical arguments
Encourage discussion on the relevance of classical ideas in today's world.
This course introduces you to bold ideas that have transformed societies and continue to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world today. Whether you're curious about Socrates' relentless questioning, the pursuit of wisdom, or insights into the self, this series will broaden your mind and help you think critically, deeply and globally.
Week 1: The birth of philosophy: Pre-Socratics and Socrates (Heraclitus, Parmenides, Socrates)
Week 2: Plato's introduction to the Republic
Week 3: Plato and Socrates
Week 4: Medieval synthesis: Saint Augustine
Week 5: Reason and enlightenment: Descartes's meditations.
| Period | 1 Oct 2025 → 29 Oct 2025 |
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| Held at | University of Liverpool, United Kingdom |
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| Degree of Recognition | National |
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- Philosophy
- Ancient Greece
- Enlightenment
- Reason
- Education
- Lifelong learning
- Learning and Teaching
- Philosophy, Values, Ethics & World Views