Program Overview

Philosophy

Philosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is central to our understanding of the world, our place in it and our interaction with it.

Philosophy provides the tools by which the presuppositions of all areas of intellectual and practical activity may be systematically and critically examined.

While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, the study of philosophy emphasises the use of:

• Argument
• Critical enquiry
• Rigour in reasoning
• Clarity of expression, including the making of pertinent distinctions

Philosophy at Edinburgh

The 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 is structured in such a way that you will cover the basics of Western philosophy. Later in the degree, you will have the opportunity to select from a wide variety of courses from Philosophy of Well-Being to Feminism.
Politics

Politics studies the theory and practice of how societies are governed. It asks questions such as:

• How do our political institutions create collective rules, who has the power to make them, and 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, participation, and resources.

You will not only study the processes of governance at the local, national, and international levels, but also the morality of political action, and the limits of freedom and justice.
Studying Philosophy and Politics

This joint programme allows you to gain in-depth knowledge in both subject areas, and the opportunity to specialise in the topics that interest you most.