Where the oldest debates and theories meet the newest technology.

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What topics do our philosophy courses cover?

From exploring some of the biggest controversies in philosophy, to examining the great moral issues in contemporary society, our small class sizes ensure you can immerse yourself in the subject in a supportive and friendly environment.

You’ll have the opportunity to tackle some of life's big questions and critique the work of some of the most well-respected philosophers that have emerged in society. Whether you’re examining the works of Plato, or debating some of Aristotle’s most significant findings, all that’s left to decide is which course is right for you.   

Find a philosophy course near you 

Whether you choose one of our online courses that are accessible from the comfort of your home, or in-person learning at one of our venues, you’ll have an experienced tutor on hand to facilitate the conversation and prompt discussion on some of the most important aspects of philosophy. 

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Philosophy: Philosophy behind The Headlines (Free London Taster)

This taster session in Philosophy, will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. The course will foster an understanding of ethical and philosophical dimensions to contemporary issues. This class will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to use philosophy to engage with current affairs a part of this discussion. You will be encouraged to use critical thinking and analytical skills as the role of Philosophy is looked at when analysing the news.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 11/07/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017175
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Philosophy: Reasons, Explanations and Justifications

When people ask why someone does something (for example why they lie) or what the reason for something is (for example for flooding or increased support for a political movement,) what exactly are they asking ? This course introduces you to three philosophical answers to this question. The first is to distinguish types of reason – ‘explanatory’, ‘motivating’, and ‘normative’. The second consists in pointing out that there are different reasons for accepting a statement as valid – truth, rightness (e.g. moral), and truthfulness. The third is to specify criteria for what creates or maintains moral or political justification. The course is intended to help you think more clearly about the ‘why question’ and to bring useful insights to what can be contentious topics.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 25/11/2024
Times:
9:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bettina Lange
Course code:
Q00017669
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£59.20

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Philosophy: Philosophy behind the Headlines

The course will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. This course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion. Reading material will be provided on Canvas and the tutor will introduce the key ideas of relevant articles. However, reading before class is not essential. The main activity is to share ideas on news stories.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017494
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£100.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Philosophy: Philosophy behind the Headlines

The course will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. This course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion. Reading material will be provided on Canvas and the tutor will introduce the key ideas of relevant articles. However, reading before class is not essential. The main activity is to share ideas on news stories.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 16/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017510
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£100.00

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Philosophy: Great Contemporary Moral Issues 2

There are several issues which are of great moral concern in contemporary society. This course considers some of these issues. The issues are Immigration, Capital Punishment, World Hunger, Economic Justice, and War. We’ll arrive to begin with at an understanding of the issue and then consider some of the academic discussion surrounding it. No prior specialist knowledge is required to attend this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 21/05/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
The Cornerstone (Wokingham)
Norreys Avenue
Wokingham
RG40 1UE
Tutor:
Karim Esmail
Course code:
Q00017429
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£50.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Philosophy: Philosophy behind the Headlines

The course will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. This course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion. Reading material will be provided on Canvas and the tutor will introduce the key ideas of relevant articles. However, reading before class is not essential. The main activity is to share ideas on news stories.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 05/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017388
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£60.00