Philosophy is characterised by a set of distinctively philosophical problems about the world and about our place in it; about appearance and reality; about value and conflicts of value; about the nature and limits of our own mind and bodies. We aim to cultivate students’ understanding of such problems, partly by exploring what the great philosophers have been saying about them over many centuries. Philosophy is also characterised by a set of skills and attitudes relevant to one’s effort to understand and orient oneself within the problems, and to develop and defend particular solutions to the problems. The key place to learn such skills is in the small-group tutorial, which meets eight times for every module. Essay-writing is also central to the discipline. Philosophy provides a special course in thinking deeply, in reading critically, in listening patiently, in writing clearly, and in living a more reflective life.

1 - To develop a broad understanding of (i) the history of Western philosophy from Plato through to contemporary figures, both in the English-speaking world and in other European countries, of (ii) contemporary philosophical movements and methodologies e.g. phenomenology, hermeneutics, poststructuralism
2 - To examine the nature of the human mind, and its interaction with the world through the human body; to enquire into the fundamental structures of the universe, together with an appreciation of the powers and limits of scientific enquiry in uncovering such structures;
3 - To explore some of the important points in contemporary debates about ethics and politics and society;
4 - To discuss the problem of experiencing value in a world of facts;
5 - To analyse and clarify the meaning of difficult concepts in different contexts, to explore the presuppositions and implications of the use of such concepts, to distinguish such concepts from other similar concepts.
6 - In response to attempts to persuade using arguments (in text or speech), to analyse those arguments, to assess them fairly, to discover weak or false argumentative steps, and to develop a counter-argument.
7 - To orient oneself quickly in an unfamiliar conceptual space, such as that of a new discipline, or a new work environment.
8 - To acquire the grounding of an active citizenship, built on intelligently and tactfully challenging received ideas.
9 - To acquire a sensitivity to ignorance, obfuscation, fudging and self-deception, and to engage in detailed and persistent research and enquiry to eliminate them.
10 - To develop and articulate one’s own position on a range of issues, to anticipate challenges to such a position, and to recognise those issues on which one does not or cannot have a position
11 - To seek more intelligently, and to better understand, the meanings in one’s life.
12 - To develop advanced research, analytical skills and the ability to work independently in completing a major research project.

Philosophy is a fascinating and challenging subject. It is concerned with fundamental questions about the nature, meaning and value of our lives and of the world in which we live.

In its various approaches, it considers such questions as: What is the difference between truth and illusion? How can we know anything? How does language represent reality? Do we have free will? What is consciousness? Does God exist? What, indeed, is it for anything to exist at all? What is the basis of ethics? Its propensity to open and broaden minds, to challenge conventions and pose awkward questions makes it a particularly attractive subject for independent thinkers with a thirst for knowledge.

Philosophy at university does not pre-suppose any particular school subjects. It requires a capacity for methodical argument and clear thinking, for thorough questioning and a concern for human meaning. See subject description for Philosophy.

In your first year (called Stage 1) you take 12 modules over 2 semesters. You must study core modules in Philosophy and typically two or three objects subjects including up to two modules from outside the BA Programme area.

Stage 2 students progress with a major in Philosophy. Students also take two elective modules from within or outside their main subject area at Stage 2 of their degree programme.

During Stage 1 you will be introduced to the spectrum of philosophical thought, from ancient eastern and western thinking through to contemporary philosophical problems including moral philosophy.

The options in Stage 2 include Formal and Informal Logic, Plato and Aristotle on Soul, Rationalism and Empiricism, Hume and Kant, and Structuralism and Hermeneutics.

Level 3 modules expand on the depth and range of modules and offers you choices such as Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language and Philosophy of Science alongside Critical Theory, German Idealism and Phenomenology. You will also undertake two major research projects as part of your single subject degree.

You may apply to study abroad for either a semester or a year through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange.

UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere. Please visit the Erasmus section by clicking on the International Office link at the top of this page.

The year abroad takes place when you have accumulated at least 110 credits and satisfied any subject prerequisites, adding a fourth year to the BA programme and turning it into a BA International.

Careers that involve problem-solving abilities, imagination and the communication of complex ideas in a clear and coherent form will welcome Philosophy graduates. Our graduates have established careers including:

Media

Law

IT

Management

Advertising

Politics

Civil and diplomatic services

Education

Humanitarian NGOs

Students may continue to graduate study at MA and PhD level in universities in Ireland and abroad, from Paris to Oxford to Harvard.