Beginning in Philosophy

There are many different ways of beginning in philosophy. We offer three sorts of classes for beginners:

• general survey introductions, which will give you a taste of a variety of questions and answers. These classes are 1000.06 and 1010.06.  (1010.6 satisfies the Writing Class Requirement). Both are full-year classes.
• logic, which is the study of the theory and techniques of good reasoning. These classes are 1080.03, 2130.03, and 2660.03.
• introductions to special areas. These are 1100.03, and almost all the other 2000-level classes, except for the few 2000-level classes with prerequisites. 

Students wishing to major in philosophy are encouraged to begin with one of the general survey introductions. But any student in any year may begin philosophy with a class that has no prerequisites - any class at the 1000- or 2000-level, except for Phil 2610 and 2620. Any of these classes provides the student with a good introduction to philosophical thinking. Choose the class that best suits your interests - it's not necessary to start with a general survey. 

When a class has prerequisites, these can often be satisfied by your having taken one other philosophy class, or the King's College Foundation Year. 

For the list of current class offerings, click here.