Focus on Philosophy: Metaphors, Allegories and Thought Experiments

Overview

Philosophers have used metaphors, allegories and thought experiments to discover, develop, explain and evaluate their theories since the beginnings of human thought. In fact, Nietzsche went as far as to say “metaphors are as close to the truth as man can ever get”. In this module, we collect, explore, explain, contextualise, dissect and admire some of the finest examples of these philosophical metaphors and allegories from Plato’s Cave to Descartes’ Tree of Science, and cover thought experiments including different versions of the Trolley Dilemma and Robert Nozick’s Experience Machine. 
 
The questions raised through these devices are linked to the main branches of philosophy (Logic, Ethics, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Existentialism, Philosophy of Religion), and examining them gives us a unique window on the evolution of philosophical thought. What is right and wrong, the question of free will, ethics, justice and faith are some of the major areas you will be invited to think about – through metaphors. 
 
'Focus on Philosophy’ is a series of online, self-paced learning modules, which focus on philosophical thought and debate. They give students an opportunity to consider the fundamental questions and explore the history of philosophy, from ancient times up to the present day. Studying philosophy helps you to improve logical and critical thinking, develop coherent arguments and write persuasively. 

Programme

This self-paced online course is structured around a series of themed units that explore key areas of philosophy through metaphors, allegories, and thought experiments. Each unit includes short video lectures, interactive tasks, and discussion board prompts to encourage reflection and debate. Students are encouraged to engage with the materials at their own pace and contribute to the ongoing online discussions.

Throughout the course, there will be three optional online meetings where students can discuss the course topics in real time, ask questions, and share insights with the tutor and fellow learners.

• Unit 1 – Reality and Knowledge I
  Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, shadows and light, the journey from illusion to truth.
• Unit 2 – Reality and Knowledge II
  Descartes’ Evil Demon, the Cartesian Theatre, Putnam’s Brain in a Vat, The Matrix.
• Unit 3 – Ethics
  Trolley Problems, Singer’s Shallow Pond, Kant’s Kingdom of Ends.
• Unit 4 – The Meaning of Life
  Eastern and Western metaphors. Wu-Wei, Nietzsche’s life as art, Camus and the absurd.
• Unit 5 – God
  Watchmaker analogy, Kierkegaard’s Leap of Faith, metaphors of divine power and presence.
• Unit 6 – Media Philosophy
  McLuhan’s The Medium is the Message, Fish Don’t Know Water, global village, ideological metaphors.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Identify and interpret major philosophical metaphors, allegories, and thought experiments
2. Understand how these tools illuminate central topics in ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and existentialism
3. Analyse philosophical ideas through creative and critical thinking
4. Express their own philosophical positions clearly, both in discussion and in writing
5. Engage with different perspectives in a respectful, reflective way

Assessments

1. Discussion Board Contributions (450 words;30%)
2. Written assignment on selected metaphor(s) (1000 words; 70%) 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.