Description (podcaster-provided):
A series of lectures delivered by Peter Millican to first-year philosophy students at the University of Oxford. The lectures comprise of the 8-week General Philosophy course, delivered to first year undergraduates. These lectures aim to provide a thorough introduction to many philosophical topics and to get students and others interested in thinking about key areas of philosophy. Taking a chronological view of the history of philosophy, each lecture is split into 3 or 4 sections which outline a particular philosophical problem and how different philosophers have attempted to resolve the issue. Individuals interested in the 'big' questions about life such as how we perceive the world, who we are in the world and whether we are free to act will find this series informative, comprehensive and accessible.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Introduction to philosophy • Early modern philosophy history • Scientific developments • Philosophical skepticism • Empiricism and idealism • Knowledge theories • Perception and dualism • Free will and determinism • Personal identityThis podcast, "General Philosophy," offers a comprehensive introduction to key philosophical concepts, delivered through a series of lectures by Peter Millican at the University of Oxford. It is primarily designed for first-year philosophy students but is accessible to anyone with an interest in philosophical inquiry. The podcast takes a chronological approach, delving into the evolution of philosophical thought from Ancient Greece to modern times. It covers a wide range of topics, including the development of scientific views from Aristotle to Galileo and Descartes, the emergence of key philosophical figures like Hobbes, Locke, and Kant, and the impact of their ideas on modern philosophy. The series also addresses fundamental philosophical problems such as the nature of knowledge, perception, free will, and personal identity.
Listeners are introduced to significant philosophical problems and how various thinkers have attempted to resolve them. Topics such as the problem of induction, scepticism about the external world, and Cartesian dualism are explored, along with discussions on primary and secondary qualities, abstraction, and idealism. The podcast delves into the ethical implications of philosophical theories, including discussions on moral responsibility, determinism, and the concept of freedom. It also addresses modern philosophical issues, providing insights into contemporary debates about knowledge, perception, and identity.
Overall, the podcast aims to stimulate interest in philosophy by presenting complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, encouraging listeners to engage with and reflect on the 'big' questions about life and the human condition.