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Philosophy

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Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the Philosophy resources page.

Here you will find out exactly what our academics are looking for in their students, including recommended reading to boost your knowledge.

So without further ado let's get started!

Topics to explore before you start

"Come as you are. We want you to be open to new ideas and concepts but we also want you to express and develop your own individual views while you are here. No special skills or necessary topics are required."

Head of Philosophy at the University of Hertfordshire

Recommended reading to prepare for university

  • Guttenplan, S., Hornsby, J., Janaway, C., and Schwenkler, J. (2021) Reading philosophy: Selected texts with a method for beginners. 2nd edn. USA: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN:1119094674.
  • Klemke, E.D., and Cahn, S.M. (2017) The meaning of life: A reader. 4th edn. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. ISBN:0190674199.
  • Blackburn, S. (2003) Being good: A short introduction to ethics. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. ISBN:0192853775.
  • Almond, B. (1998) Exploring ethics: A traveller's tale. Oxford, England: Blackwell Publishers. ISBN:0631199527.
  • LaFollette, H., and Persson, I. (2013) The Blackwell guide to ethical theory. USA: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN:1444330098.
  • Blackburn, S. (2001) Think: A compelling introduction to philosophy. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. ISBN:0192854259.
  • Kenny, A. (2018) A Brief History of Western Philosophy. 20th edn. Oxford, England: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN:1119452791.
  • Nagel, T. (1989) What does it all mean?: a very short introduction to philosophy. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. ISBN:0195174372.
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Programmes to know

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft  Teams
  • Zoom

Education students looking up in the classroom and taking notes

Websites our academics recommend

The Philosopher & The News:

A range of podcasts delivered by leading philosophers brings to the surface the ideas hidden behind the biggest news stories.

The Royal Institute of Philosophy YouTube page:

Dedicated to the advancement of philosophy in all its forms. Here you will find our series of philosophy lectures, events and debates, including the Royal Institute of Philosophy's Annual Lecture, presented by a philosopher of international standing.

Philosophy Bites:

Podcasts of top philosophers interviewed on bite-sized topics.

Sir Francis Bacon lecture series:

The University of Hertfordshire branch of the Royal Institute of Philosophy is proud to host the Francis Bacon lecture series. These are free public lectures that aim to spotlight the valuable contribution and impact that philosophy makes beyond the academy. They are subsequently available as podcasts.

Law students studying and relaxing outside on campus

Courses Herts offer

Interested in studying Philosophy here at Herts?

Take a look at our undergraduate courses below:

As part of these courses, you will have the opportunity to add an additional year to study abroad or do a work placement.

Get a feel for studying at Herts

Contact us

We hope you all found these resources useful but we appreciate that you may have more questions.

If you have any questions regarding our campuses, facilities, accommodation or just general life here at Herts, you can contact current Herts students via Unibuddy.