Philosophy

'Philosophy' is an ancient Greek word that means ‘love of wisdom’. The wisdom philosophy seeks is concerned with the big questions that everyone will eventually encounter in his or her life: What is happiness? What is love? Is there a god? What is the meaning of it all?   Philosophy approaches these questions both historically and systematically. Thinking philosophically requires knowledge of what those who have come before us have thought; but it also requires the ability to evaluate these positions critically.

Philosophy explores the foundations of all of reality and of all knowledge. To mention a few examples, there is a philosophy of language and a philosophy of music; political philosophy; ethics; a philosophy of science and a philosophy of religion. There is nothing that cannot be questioned philosophically. 

Philosophy is not the most practical of subjects. Yet every society needs philosophers—people who do not just live, love, work, raise children, etc., but who seek answers to the question why.  We also offer the opportunity to study three Arts subjects to degree level: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). This second and final year pathway is ideal for students who wish to gain a rich, empirically-based understanding of the challenges posed by globalisation and a globalised economy, political volatility and democracy