About This Course
This course will be held in partnership with GLLM and Addysg Oedloion Gwynedd & Môn as part of being on their framework.
Course Content?
Philosophy isn’t just about abstract ideas—it plays a crucial role in shaping how we experience the world and make sense of the challenges we face. At its core, philosophy encourages us to question assumptions, think critically, and engage with different perspectives. This introductory course is designed for those new to philosophy, providing a clear and accessible exploration of how philosophical thinking helps us reflect on some of today’s most pressing ethical dilemmas. Through discussion and analysis, we will explore how philosophy not only deepens our understanding of major contemporary issues but also guides decision-making, informs public debate, and challenges the way we approach morality, justice, and human rights.
Lectures will be held in person on the 12th, 19th, 26th of March and the 2nd of April between 6pm-8pm.
Learner Outcomes?
Week 1: Should we be able to sell our internal organs? Autonomy, exploitation, and the ethics of bodily ownership.
Week 2: Are wars ever justified, or should pacifism be the ultimate ethical stance? Just War Theory, non-violence, and the moral cost of conflict.
Week 3: Modern slavery: How philosophy helps us confront oppression, exploitation, and human dignity.
Week 4: Is cannibalism always immoral? Survival ethics, cultural relativism, and the boundaries of morality.
Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for anyone curious about how philosophy applies to everyday life and contemporary debates. Whether you’ve studied philosophy before or are completely new to the subject, you’ll gain valuable insights into how philosophical thinking shapes our understanding of the world.
Tutor
Dr. Joshua Andrews
Dr. Joshua Andrews is a lecturer in Asian Religions at Bangor University, where he also serves as the Director of Student Engagement in the School of History, Law, and Social Sciences. His area of expertise lies in Asian Religions, with a particular focus on Hinduism and Buddhism. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Andrews has developed a genuine interest in Existentialism, which led him to complete his PhD, exploring the relationship between the existential thinking of Soren Kierkegaard and Buddhist philosophy.
Joshua's research interests have influenced his teaching, leading him to develop a range of modules that examine Asian religions and their responses to issues such as sex, gender, the environmental crisis, and human rights issues. Alongside Asian religions, Joshua also teaches existentialism, ethics, and political philosophy.