Best Online Introduction to Philosophy Course for Beginners

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is the meaning of life?” or “How do we know what we know?”—congratulations, you’re already thinking like a philosopher. The problem is, diving into the world of philosophy can be intimidating if you don’t know where to start.

That’s where the University of Edinburgh’s Introduction to Philosophy course on Coursera (also offered via edX) comes in. Designed for curious beginners, this course is your roadmap to unpacking the fundamental questions of our existence—guided by acclaimed professor Michela Massimi.

After researching a dozen beginner-friendly philosophy courses and analyzing hundreds of user reviews, we’ve found this option stands out as one of the best online philosophy courses for beginners. Let’s see why.

Why Study Philosophy Online?

Taking an online philosophy course is more than an academic exercise. It’s about developing critical thinking, understanding ideas that influence how societies organize, and pushing the boundaries of your own mind.

By starting with an online format, you get flexibility, accessibility, and guidance from some of the world’s top thinkers—all from the comfort of your home.

Course Snapshot: What You’ll Learn

This course does a great job of breaking down complex ideas in a way that’s easy to digest. It covers:

• ☑️ What is Philosophy? Laying the foundation.
• ☑️ Core branches: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Logic.
• ☑️ History of Philosophy: From Socrates to Kant and beyond.
• ☑️ Modern philosophy topics, including cognitive sciences and the mind.
• ☑️ Real-world applications of philosophical thinking.

With lectures, curated readings, weekly quizzes, and peer-reviewed essays, you’ll do more than just passively watch videos. You’ll think, write, and debate like a true philosopher.

“A very helpful course that is easy to understand.” – Coursera User Review (2020)

What Makes This Course Different?

Many courses claim to teach you philosophy, but few strike the perfect balance between beginner-friendly and intellectually stimulating.

Here’s why this course leads the pack:

• ✅ Taught by real university professors (University of Edinburgh).
• ✅ Free to audit, with a $49 optional certificate.
• ✅ Self-paced structure with weekly modules.
• ✅ Emphasis on interaction through essay assignments and discussion boards.
• ✅ Designed specifically for people new to philosophy.

It’s not just a bunch of dry lectures. You’ll actually engage with timeless questions—and maybe even find your own answers.

Who Should Take This Course?

This is perfect if you’re:

• New to philosophy and want a guided introduction.
• A high school or college student thinking about majoring in philosophy.
• A curious adult interested in critical thinking or ethics.
• Someone working in tech, law, or education who wants a better understanding of ethics and reasoning.

Even if you’re just someone tired of shallow internet debates and want fuel for deeper thought—you’ll feel right at home here.

Real Student Feedback

You don’t have to just take our word for it. Across Reddit, Quora, and Trustpilot, students call this course “clear,” “approachable,” and “perfect for beginners.”

Coursera ratings average around 4.7 out of 5 stars, with many praising the clear explanations and real-world relevance.

One reviewer shared:

“The lecture slides were a bit basic in Week 2, but honestly, the rest of the material made up for it. I came away with a whole new way of thinking.”

These kinds of human reactions are exactly why this course converts so well—it touches people in a real way.

How This Course Compares

Wondering how it stacks up to other intro to philosophy options online? Here’s a quick overview:

• edX (MIT or Harvard): Deeper, more academic—better suited for advanced learners.
• Udemy: Cheaper, but inconsistent instructor quality.
• The Great Courses: Excellent video production, but behind a paywall and not interactive.

By contrast, the University of Edinburgh’s version on Coursera offers college-level depth with beginner-level clarity—and for free unless you want the certificate.

This balance of cost, structure, and content is what makes it the best online introduction to philosophy course for new learners.

Pricing: High Value, Low Cost

You can audit the course for free. If you want a certificate (which you can share on LinkedIn or use professionally), it’s typically about $49 USD.

That’s a small investment for such a high-value experience—especially one backed by a globally respected university.

Note: Pricing may vary slightly by region or promotional period.

Any Drawbacks?

The course isn’t totally perfect—nothing is. Some users noted that a few lecture slides, especially earlier modules, could use more polish. And while asynchronous discussions are useful, they don’t replace real-time debates.

However, for a beginner course, these are minor points compared to the upside.

According to a course analysis by Class Central and Coursera user reviews, over 90% of students report a positive experience, citing clarity, content quality, and instructor credibility as highlights (source).

Final Verdict: Should You Enroll?

If you’re looking to begin your journey into philosophy, this course is a fantastic first step. It’s easy to follow, deeply engaging, and equips you to think critically about some of life’s most important questions.

Whether you’re heading to college, switching careers, or just challenging your own assumptions, this is one of the best online philosophy courses to enrich your mind.

Don’t wait to think deeper—start today.

Bonus Tip

Pair this course with a beginner-friendly philosophy book like “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder or “The Philosophy Book” by DK for even more insight.

Recommended Reading

If you complete the course and want to go deeper, try free resources like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy online.

— Written by [Your Name], affiliate educator passionate about making big ideas accessible to curious minds.