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):
➤ Philosophy lectures • Introduction to philosophical topics • Key philosophical problems and theories • Historical overview of philosophy • Modern philosophical debates • Concepts of knowledge, identity, and perceptionThis podcast, titled "General Philosophy," offers a comprehensive introduction to a wide range of philosophical topics, drawing on the expertise of Peter Millican from the University of Oxford. Aimed primarily at first-year university students, the content delivers a chronological exploration of philosophical thought, spanning from Ancient Greece to contemporary discussions. By dissecting key philosophical problems and investigating how various philosophers have attempted to address them, the podcast engages listeners with the fundamental questions of philosophy.
A recurrent theme throughout the series is the evolution of philosophical thought over time, highlighting how historical contexts shaped different perspectives. Listeners are guided through the shifts from Aristotelian natural science to the groundbreaking ideas of Galileo and Descartes, and further onto the development of empiricism with figures like John Locke. The podcast also delves into philosophical concepts such as induction, scepticism, dualism, and personal identity, offering insights into the enduring debates these topics provoke.
The podcast not only surveys the history of philosophical ideas but also examines the methods and frameworks underpinning philosophical inquiry. Listeners will encounter discussions on the nature of knowledge, perception, free will, and moral responsibility, as philosophers like Hume and Kant are scrutinized alongside contemporary theories. With episodes structured to present problems and potential solutions, this series encourages a deep engagement with philosophy’s foundational issues, offering both informative and accessible content for those interested in the 'big' questions about life. Through its well-structured format, the podcast bridges historical and modern perspectives, helping listeners appreciate the relevance of philosophy in understanding the world around them.