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Foundations of Western Philosophy: From Ancient Greece to the Enlightenment

5 weekly sessions on campus, on Wednesdays at 6-8pm, starting from Wednesday 1 October - we are no longer taking enrolments for this course.

Overview

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.

The course is ideal for anyone interested in big ideas. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required, just an open mind and a willingness to discuss, question and think deeply. If you enjoy exploring different cultures, debating timeless questions, and discovering how ancient insights still influence modern life, then this series is for you.

Syllabus

  • 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.

Course lecturer

Dr Shereen Hamed Shaw is a Senior Lecturer and researcher at Edge Hill University's Faculty of Education. She holds a double honours BA in English & Comparative Literature and Philosophy from AUC, an MA in Philosophy and Literature from UEA, and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Liverpool. With experience teaching across secondary, further, and higher education in the UK and the Middle East, her work bridges the gap between philosophy and education, enriching both fields. She is the author of Britishness, Identity and Belonging in Education: Social Justice in Troubling Times. (2024) Springer Nature.

Course fee

  • Standard fee: £80
  • Concession fee: £40.