Philosophy is often called the mother of all sciences. Disciplines like physics and psychology originated from philosophy. For a long time, philosophers were the only scientists trying to understand reality, whether physical or social. But philosophy is more than that, as it explores important issues that go beyond scientific research, actively engaging with the most important issues of our lives. What does it all mean? Can we decipher what is good and evil? Does it make sense to distinguish between mind and body? What does a social and international order look like in which basic freedoms can be fully realised? Is art important to our happiness? These questions correspond to five interrelated sub-disciplines of philosophy: philosophy of language, ethics, philosophy of the mind, political philosophy and philosophy of art. This series addresses these disciplines. It aims for an appreciation of Western philosophy through an exploration of its history, the main issues and the major philosophers. The series is a general introduction, showing that the mother of all sciences can be fascinating, interesting and broad-minded.

The individual lectures
1. What is in a Word? / Philosophy of language (31 Oct)
2. Virtues and Principles / Ethics (7 Nov)
3. Mind and Body / Philosophy of the Mind (14 Nov)
4. Politics in a Globalizing World / Political Philosophy (21 Nov)
5. The Value of Beauty / Philosophy of Art (28 Nov)