Philosophy

Studying philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way.

Philosophy:

• introduces you to the thinking of some of the great philosophers of the past and present

• shows the connections between different areas of human experience

• increases awareness of assumptions that influence your beliefs

Programme benefits

• Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583. Edinburgh was the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment and has a distinguished place in the history of philosophy.

• You will have a choice of more than 40 option courses in Years 3 and 4 in all the main branches of philosophy.

• Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:

• philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science

• ethics

• epistemology

• history of philosophy

• As the historical home of David Hume and Adam Smith, the city of Edinburgh has long been, and remains, a fitting place to study philosophy.

• The University itself has a strong historical connection to the subject, with Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.