The Best Online Philosophy Course for Beginners?
Are you curious about philosophy and looking for the best place to start? The Introduction to Philosophy course offered by the University of Edinburgh on Coursera is one of the most popular beginner-friendly philosophy courses online. But is it worth your time?
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover course content, learning experience, flexibility, pricing, and real student feedback to help you decide if this course is the right fit for you.
Let’s dive in.
What Is the Introduction to Philosophy Course?
The Introduction to Philosophy course is a beginner-friendly online program designed to introduce students to the core questions and branches of philosophy. Offered by the University of Edinburgh on Coursera, it covers topics such as:
- Epistemology (theory of knowledge)
- Metaphysics (the nature of reality)
- Philosophy of Science
- Moral Philosophy (Ethics)
- Philosophy of Mind
The course is taught by expert philosophy professors, including Dr. Dave Ward, and provides video lectures, readings, and quizzes for a structured learning experience.
How long does it take?
🕐 5 weeks of study (1–2 hours per week)
Learning format:
📹 Video lectures
📖 Assigned readings
✅ Quizzes to test understanding
Cost:
💰 Free to audit (or $49 for a certificate)
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is perfect for beginners who:
- Have no prior experience with philosophy but want to learn its fundamental concepts.
- Prefer a structured learning approach rather than self-studying with books.
- Need flexibility (it’s 100% online and self-paced).
- Want an academic-quality course from a respected university.
However, if you already have a background in philosophy, you might find this course too basic.
What You’ll Learn: Key Takeaways
1. Epistemology (How Do We Know What We Know?)
- Explore the foundations of knowledge.
- Understand skepticism and belief.
2. Metaphysics (The Nature of Reality)
- What does it mean for something to exist?
- The philosophical debate around free will vs. determinism.
- What makes an action right or wrong?
- Key ethical theories like utilitarianism and deontology.
4. Philosophy of Science
- What counts as scientific knowledge?
- The relationship between philosophy and scientific inquiry.
5. Philosophy of Mind
- Explore the connection between consciousness and the brain.
- Questions like “Can machines think?” and the mind-body problem.
The course is designed to leave you with a solid foundation in philosophical thought and critical reasoning.
✅ Pros:
- ✔️ Beginner-friendly – No prior philosophy knowledge needed.
- ✔️ University-backed – Taught by top professors from the University of Edinburgh.
- ✔️ Free to audit – You can learn for free (pay only if you want a certificate).
- ✔️ Flexible schedule – Study at your own pace.
- ✔️ Well-structured lessons – Engaging video lectures and quizzes to reinforce learning.
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Limited instructor interaction – No direct feedback from professors.
- ❌ No live discussions – Learning is mostly self-directed.
- ❌ Quizzes are too simple – Some students feel they don’t challenge deeper thinking.
Overall, if you’re looking for an entry-level course on philosophical concepts, this is an excellent choice.
Student Reviews: What Are Learners Saying?
Reddit Reviews:
📢 “A great introduction – professors explain concepts clearly. Loved the ethics and metaphysics sections.” – u/PhilosophyStudent22
📢 “Good starting point, but supplement with additional readings if you’re serious about philosophy.” – u/DeepThinker456
Coursera Reviews:
⭐ 5/5: “Excellent course! Well-structured, engaging professors, and perfect for beginners.“
⭐ 4/5: “Enjoyed the lessons but wished for more discussion opportunities.“
Common theme?
👍 Great for beginners, but advanced learners may want a more interactive course.
Coursera vs edX vs Udemy: How Does It Compare?
| Platform | Course | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursera | Introduction to Philosophy (University of Edinburgh) | Structured beginner course | Free ($49 certificate) |
| edX | Introduction to Philosophy: God, Knowledge, and Consciousness (MIT) | Stronger focus on specific ideas | Free ($99 certificate) |
| Udemy | General intro courses | Less academic, more informal | $10–$40 (depends on sales) |
Biggest advantage of Coursera?
✅ University-backed quality at an affordable price.
Enroll in Coursera’s Introduction to Philosophy Now
FAQs: Introduction to Philosophy Course
1. Is this course really free?
Yes! You can audit the course for free. A certificate costs $49, but it’s optional.
2. How difficult is the course?
It’s beginner-friendly – no prior philosophy experience is required.
3. Is the certificate worth it?
If you want a verifiable credential for work or education, then yes, the $49 certificate is worth getting.
4. Are there any deadlines?
No! The course is self-paced, so you decide when to complete it.