Please note content does build but each class can also be taken as a stand-alone class, so you can join and leave anytime using the pay weekly option at no extra cost. All students will get a certificate of attendance with grades if they do the optional coursework.

TOPICS COVERED: Knowledge (Epistemology), Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Morals, Evolution, Free Will, Personal Identity & the Self


▬▬▬▬▬▬  INTRODUCTION  ▬▬▬▬▬
I teach in the tradition of Western Analytical Philosophy, stemming from Ancient Greece to modern times, which means we focus on rational logical arguments and how to critically analyse them. The aim of this "Fun Philosophy" course is to discuss the most interesting topics in Philosophy, because if we enjoy our first experiences of critical thinking, then this encourages kids to tackle more challenging subjects. I think this is a great way to get hooked on THINKING, by starting with the most easily accessible and enjoyable topics. Kids can then use their new thinking SUPER POWERS in all different kinds of situations: from everyday decisions, to doing well at school, to even just impressing their friends. No previous experience necessary. 

▬▬▬▬▬▬  COURSE SUMMARY  ▬▬▬▬▬
Please see my course syllabus for more details on class content and schedules. 

This series of classes will look at the following topics

1) MORALS 1 - Utilitarianism: should we always act for the greater good
2) EPISTEMOLOGY - "I think therefore I am" - Did Descartes prove we exist?
3) PHILOSOPHY OF PERCEPTION - Do we (accurately) hallucinate the world all the time?
4) MORALS 2 - Duty Theories: Kant and the Categorical Imperative
5) EVOLUTION & HUMAN NATURE - Do selfish genes make selfish people?
6) PHILOSOPHY OF MIND - What is consciousness? What does it do and what is made of?
7) MORALS 3 - Virtue Ethics: Aristotle and Eudemonia
8) PERSONAL IDENTITY - What makes you the same person over time?
9)  FREE WILL - is the world pre-determined and does it matter?
10) PERSONHOOD - What and who counts as a "person"?
11) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & THE ETHICS OF AI
12) EMPIRICISM - Do we learn everything from the senses?
13) PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - How does science progress & how reliable is it?
14) THE FERMI PARADOX - Why haven't we heard from aliens yet?
15) MEANINGS OF LIFE - different approaches to finding meaning in life
16) Week Starting 16 Dec - Christmas Quiz


▬▬▬▬▬▬  CLASS STYLE  ▬▬▬▬▬
I use PowerPoint presentations for all my classes, so I can mix text and multimedia and make the class more interesting. Each class will be run using an "intro-discussion-repeat" format. This means I will take a few minutes to introduce a topic, usually via a fun easily accessible thought experiment, and then we will pause to discuss a question. Then we'll move on to the next related topic and another great thought experiment and pause for discussion after that one too. If no one has anything to say then I just do teh discussion myself. This means that you can enjoy the class however you like. Speak up and get involved in the discussions, or just listen and enjoy with no pressure.  

▬▬▬▬▬▬  COMMUNICATIONS  ▬▬▬▬▬
Please contact me to arrange either one-off or ongoing bespoke 1-to1 tuition sessions.

I generally reply within a few hours during term time weekdays. I try and reply within 24hrs otherwise.

If you try my class and it is not quite right, then I don't want anyone to leave unhappy, please contact me and I can help. 

Just contact me if you have any further questions, I am happy to help.