Philosophy and Politics, MA (Hons)

Course summary

PhilosophyPhilosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is central to our understanding of the world and our interaction with it. Philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way. While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, the study of philosophy focuses on:

• argument

• critical enquiry

• rigour in reasoning

• clarity of expression, including making important distinctions

Philosophy at EdinburghThe University has a strong historic connection to the subject, counting Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students. Edinburgh has one of the UK’s largest philosophy departments and the Philosophy Society attracts high-profile speakers. Our programme covers the basics of Western philosophy. Later in the degree, you can select from a variety of courses from Philosophy of Well-Being to Feminism. PoliticsPolitics studies the theory and practice of how societies are governed. It asks questions such as:

• How do our political institutions create collective rules and who has the power to make them?

• What are the consequences of political decisions?

• What is the nature of a just society, and how do we get there?

Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power and resources.You will also study the:

• processes of governance at the local, national, and international levels

• morality of political action

• limits of freedom and justice

Studying Philosophy and PoliticsThis joint programme gives you in-depth knowledge in both subject areas, and the opportunity to specialise in the topics that interest you most.

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