Practical Philosophy

Practical philosophy can be defined as the study of the bases of philosophy (metaphysics, knowledge theory, logic) for "practical thinking", with the emphasis on values, attitudes to life and norms of behaviour. Value theory and analysis of normative positions constitute the core of practical philosophy. The fields of "practical thinking" that are particularly studied are morals (moral philosophy and applied ethics), law (philosophy of law), politics (political philosophy), practical rationality (decision theory), religion (philosophy of religion) and art (aesthetics). Practical philosophy has also come to include philosophical anthropology (the study of human nature), scientific theory for humanities and social sciences and the analysis of argumentation. Within practical philosophy, several courses are offered at Master’s degree level in addition to the level 4 course which provide an opportunity for specialisation within the main field of a one- or two-year Master’s degree. For more information, please contact the department.