What Is the Philosophy of Mind? A Beginner’s Guide for Curious Learners
Curious about how we think, perceive, and understand the world? If you’ve ever stopped to wonder what consciousness is, how the brain creates thought, or where cognition fits into our understanding of reality, you’re already dabbling in a powerful subfield of philosophy: the philosophy of mind.
And now, you can start your journey into these essential questions right from home—thanks to the Introduction to Philosophy course offered by Coursera and taught by highly-rated Professor Michela Massimi.
In this article, we’ll dive into what the course covers, how it compares to other online philosophy programs, and why this specific offering has become a favorite among curious minds looking for a beginner-friendly but intellectually stimulating course. We’ll also look at practical things—like time commitments, who it’s ideal for, and whether it’s really worth your money.
Let’s get started.
Why Study Philosophy—Especially Philosophy of Mind?
Philosophy helps us ask better questions and make sense of the world around us. But the philosophy of mind goes deeper. It explores:
- How consciousness works
- The relationship between the brain and the mind
- Whether machines (like AI or robots) can truly think
- How language and thought interact
- Where emotions fit into logical systems
If any of these questions feel like something you’d debate with a friend over coffee, you’re ready for this course.
Inside Coursera’s “Introduction to Philosophy” Course
Offered by the University of Edinburgh and hosted on Coursera, the Introduction to Philosophy course is not your typical history-focused survey of philosophers. Instead, it zooms into one particularly interesting intersection—where philosophy meets cognitive science.
Here’s what you get:
- ✔ Two concise video lectures (about 24 minutes total)
- ✔ 8 curated readings, including selected research on embodied cognition
- ✔ An engaging assignment (“A Tale of Two Robots”) for open discussion
- ✔ A peer-reviewed essay project (takes about 2 hours to complete)
- ✔ A final quiz covering key concepts about the science of the mind
- ✔ Access to bonus materials on AI, robotics, and how technology influences human thought
It’s more than just reading theory—this course applies philosophical questions to modern-day dilemmas in psychology, robotics, and neuroscience.
A Quick Look at What You’ll Learn:
- What does it mean to “think”?
- Is the mind separate from the brain?
- Can robots have consciousness?
- What role does the body play in shaping thought (a concept known as embodied cognition)?
And because the content blends neuroscience, philosophical logic, and a touch of robotics, many students say it’s much more engaging than traditional survey courses that only cover long-dead philosophers.
★ Real Student Feedback:
Don’t just take our word for it. With an impressive 4.7/5 rating on Coursera, students call the course “brilliant,” “thought-provoking,” and “perfect for those wanting a deeper understanding of cognition.” Many love the instructor’s ability to make complex ideas feel both accessible and exciting.
One Coursera learner commented: “This course helped me reshape how I think about thinking itself!”
The Pros and Cons You Should Know
No course is perfect, and it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before hitting “enroll.”
- ✔ Pros
- A focused exploration of cognitive science and philosophy
- Professionally taught by an award-winning educator
- Offers a recognized certificate (great for resumes and LinkedIn)
- Combines readings, writing, discussion, and quizzes for active learning
- ✘ Cons
- Narrow focus—this isn’t a deep dive into historical philosophers like Plato or Hegel
- Limited video content—some may prefer more lecture time
- Involves a peer-reviewed essay, which may be more time-intensive than standard tests
Who Should Take This Course?
This is one of the best online philosophy courses for people who are specifically interested in consciousness, AI, and how we think. Psychology majors, computer science students, and curious lifelong learners will all find value here.
Even if you’ve never studied philosophy before, the accessible language and logical structure make it friendly for beginners. And because it’s short (around 5–6 hours of total commitment), you can complete it in just one weekend.
Here’s who it’s not for: If you want a broad introduction to ALL of Western philosophy—from Socrates to Simone de Beauvoir—this isn’t the course for you. Instead, we’d recommend MITx’s Introduction to Philosophy on edX, which offers a wider survey across 12+ lecture hours.
Coursera vs. The Competition
Wondering how it stacks up against other online philosophy programs? Here’s a simplified comparison:
- Coursera’s Introduction to Philosophy (focus on cognitive science): Short but deep; great for focused learners
- edX’s MITx Philosophy Course: Broader scope and deeper lecture content; ideal for traditional learners
- The Great Courses: More expensive and doesn’t offer a certificate
- YouTube: Free, but lacks structure, support, or verified credentials
So in short—Coursera wins for targeted education, value, and flexibility, especially if you’re aiming to learn something specific and impressive enough to add to your résumé.
Cost and Certificate Value
Pricing is straightforward: You can audit the course for free or pay around $39–$49 for a certificate. That might sound like a lot for just a few hours of content, but if credentialing matters to you personally or professionally, it’s a worthwhile investment (and often reimbursed by employers or educational budgets).
“Coursera’s certificates are highly recognized on platforms like LinkedIn,” says OnlineCourseReport.com, a site that evaluates digital credentials from ed-tech platforms. “If you’re applying for jobs in cognitive science, psychology, education, or human-computer interaction, having this kind of credential can help you stand out.”
What You’ll Walk Away With
Aside from some IP knowledge you’ll probably want to tell everyone about at parties?
- Enhanced critical thinking skills
- A clearer understanding of the mind-body connection
- A résumé-enhancing certificate from one of the world’s top universities
- Exposure to cutting-edge topics in psychology, robotics, and artificial intelligence
The Bottom Line
If you’re fascinated by thought, consciousness, or how philosophy and science connect to explain the mind, Coursera’s Introduction to Philosophy is one of the smartest ways to dive in.
It’s not just about what philosophers thought 2,000 years ago—it’s about how philosophy helps us make sense of the technologies and psychological systems shaping our world today. It’s beginner-friendly, certificate-ready, and taught by a true expert.
And the best part? You can start learning in the next few minutes.
