Philosophy is the study of argument and its application to a wide variety of questions of fundamental importance to human life and intellectual activity. Philosophers attempt to answer questions such as: What is knowledge? What is the nature of truth? Could the existence of God be proved? What is justice? Why should we act morally? What is the nature and value of art? On these questions most people have an opinion. Philosophers, however, seek to ground their views on rational argument. Hence, philosophy is as much the study of what constitutes a ‘sound’ or ‘valid’ argument as it is the application of such canons of thought to specific problems. Engaging in the activity of philosophy, oneself, is one of the highest forms of mental exercise: a workout for the mind. Engaging in philosophy with others teaches one to present and develop arguments, to lead discussion but also to listen to the viewpoints of others, to assess their arguments and to settle disputes rationally. This involves hard thought, imagination and open-minded pursuit of truth.

 

 MA: Philosophy courses are primarily taken by students studying for an MA - either with Honours  (i.e. as a four-year degree) or as an MA designated (i.e. a three year degree involving an element of philosophy significant enough to entitle students to have the subject named on their degree certificate). In the former case, after the first two years (when a number of subjects are taken at first and second levels), a student either does Philosophy alone (Single Honours) or combines Philosophy with another subject (Joint Honours).

 MITISA (by research): This is a one year postgraduate degree based on research work under a supervisor leading to the production of a thesis.

 PhD in Philosophy: This is a three year postgraduate degree based on research work under a supervisor leading to the production of a lengthier, more substantial thesis.