Site • RSS • Apple PodcastsDescription (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):
➤ Philosophy lectures • Chronological history of philosophy • Key philosophical problems • Major philosophers' theories • Topics: perception, knowledge, free will, personal identity • Slides for lecturesThis podcast, "General Philosophy," presented by Peter Millican, is a comprehensive introduction to philosophical topics intended for first-year students at the University of Oxford. The content is delivered through a series of lectures spanning an 8-week General Philosophy course, providing a robust foundation in the history of philosophical thought. The podcast navigates the chronological evolution of philosophy, beginning with an overview of significant milestones in early modern philosophy, tracing developments from Ancient Greece to the Modern Period.
Throughout the episodes, listeners are exposed to the philosophical methods introduced by various thinkers, with a heavy focus on key figures and major themes. Topics such as Aristotle's influence on natural science, and the transition to Galileo's and Descartes' revolutionary ideas set a backdrop for understanding philosophical scepticism and modern thought. Further exploration includes the mechanistic universe as theorized by Hobbes, Boyle, and Newton, while the podcast delves into empiricism through the ideas of philosophers like John Locke.
The series also addresses intricate philosophical problems, such as the problem of induction posed by Hume and Kant's reaction to it, external world scepticism, and Cartesian dualism, which concerns the mind-body relationship. Questions of perception, personal identity, and knowledge are examined through discussions on primary and secondary qualities, idealism, and the issues surrounding free will and determinism. The podcast concludes with a discussion of personal identity, looking at Locke's theories and exploring criticisms and developments in this line of inquiry. Each episode provides an accessible yet thorough overview of complex philosophical debates, aimed at engaging students and those intrigued by the profound questions of life.