Introduction
Have you ever wondered what makes reality real or how to tell what’s truly right from wrong? If questions like that make your brain light up, you’re not alone. Philosophy is the birthplace of curiosity, and the edX course Introduction to Philosophy offers an inviting gateway into one of the oldest academic disciplines in human history.
But does it deliver on its promises? And how does it stack up against competing platforms like Coursera or Udemy?
I decided to take a deep dive into this beginner-friendly online course to see whether it’s worth your time. Whether you’re a student, lifelong learner, or just dipping your toe into philosophy, this review will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
What Is the edX Introduction to Philosophy Course?
The Introduction to Philosophy course on edX is part of a broader set of offerings from top institutions like MIT and Harvard. This particular course offers a broad yet approachable entry point into several major areas of philosophy—ethics, epistemology, political thought, metaphysics, and even philosophy of mind.
Unlike many free online resources, this course is created and led by seasoned university professors. Lectures are short, digestible, and based on real academic curricula.
What You’ll Learn:
- Overview of philosophy’s history and major schools of thought
- Key questions: What is consciousness? What is truth? What is justice?
- Critical reasoning and argumentation skills
- Exposure to famous philosophers like Plato, Descartes, and Kant
- Opportunities to engage in peer discussions and written reflections
This makes it ideal not just for curious learners, but also for students looking to prepare for undergraduate or college-level philosophy courses.
Why It’s Great for Beginners
One of the biggest advantages of the edX Introduction to Philosophy course is its structure. It presents philosophical questions in a way that feels relevant and engaging. You don’t need a background in academia to grasp key ideas—just curiosity and a willingness to think deeply.
What I especially liked was how the course doesn’t just throw information at you. Instead, you’re invited to participate: reading texts, reflecting on classic arguments, and engaging in online discussion forums. The multimedia approach—videos, slides, readings—helps break things up.
According to user reviews on Reddit and Quora, the simplicity and clarity of instruction are among the biggest draws. A Reddit user noted:
“It gave me a way to explore philosophical thinking without feeling overwhelmed. I wasn’t even sure what metaphysics meant before!”
What You Get With a Paid Certificate
edX allows you to audit the course for free, but if you want a shareable certificate, you’re looking at a ~$49 fee. This certificate isn’t just a digital souvenir—it can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile or included in resumes and applications.
Why a Certificate Might Be Worth It:
- Shows commitment to learning and critical thinking skills
- Looks great on academic or professional resumes
- Useful for students building college applications
- Triggers deeper engagement with coursework
A 2023 industry report from Class Central shows that certified courses from top MOOC platforms like Coursera and edX are increasingly being recognized by employers, especially in knowledge-based fields like education, writing, and public policy source.
How It Compares to Other Platforms
So how does edX’s Introduction to Philosophy course measure up to competitors?
Coursera offers a few standout options as well—like the University of Edinburgh’s “Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences” course, which takes a more specialized approach. Udemy, on the other hand, provides affordable, pay-once courses that range in quality. And services like Wondrium (formerly The Great Courses) focus more on lecture-style learning without assignments or assessments.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- edX: University-level instruction, free auditing, strong academic rigor, optional certificate
- Coursera: Includes peer-reviewed writing, discussions, often university-backed
- Udemy: Most affordable for one-time payment and lifetime access, but varies by instructor
- Wondrium: Premium video-led content, best for passive learning
Any Downsides?
Of course, no course is perfect. Based on both user reviews and my own experience, here are a few things to be aware of:
- Lack of in-depth feedback: Assessments are often peer-reviewed rather than instructor-reviewed.
- Forums can be hit-or-miss: Your learning experience might vary depending on how active the discussion forums are when you join.
- Not for academic credit: While valuable for personal growth or informal education, most employers and universities don’t treat these certificates like formal credit.
Still, these are issues common to most MOOCs—not specific to edX.
Who This Course Is Best For
This course is a solid match if you:
- Are new to philosophy and want a structured, easy-to-follow introduction
- Need a free or low-cost educational option from a recognized institution
- Are interested in deepening your critical thinking, reading, and writing
- Live a busy life and want to learn at your own pace
This course is probably not ideal if you’re already familiar with major philosophical theories or looking for graduate-level content.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. The edX Introduction to Philosophy course delivers excellent academic value, especially considering the low cost and flexibility. For beginners, it checks all the major boxes: engaging content, structured curriculum, and trusted instructors.
If you’re curious about the “big questions” and want to explore philosophy without jumping into a full degree program, this course offers a great starting point. Just make sure to commit to going beyond passive viewing—it rewards the effort you put in.