We caught up with Lecturer in Philosophy, Dr Micahel Wilde, to find out more about Philosophy at Kent. Dr Wilde shares his top five highlights:
1. Learn philosophy in a vibrant and historic city: Canterbury!
Perhaps study the Stoic philosophy of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, before taking a trip around the Roman remains of the City of Canterbury. Or study St Anselm’s ontological argument for the existence of God, before visiting the medieval Canterbury Cathedral where he served as Archbishop. Perhaps even study the political philosophy of the Tudor philosopher Sir Thomas More, before visiting one of the Tudor pubs or restaurants in Canterbury City Centre. And there are loads of other things to do in Canterbury: boat trips, riverside walks, cinemas, theatres, night clubs, live music, etc
2. A beautiful green campus, towering over the historic city!
The beautiful green campus is situated on a hill with amazing views of the medieval Canterbury City and its Cathedral. It is therefore sufficiently removed from the hustle and bustle, but still only a short walking distance to the City Centre.
3. Loads of choice!
There’s a wide range of courses on offer, covering all areas of philosophy. And there are very few compulsory modules. So you’ve got lots of choice to shape your degree in line with your own philosophical interests. And you can even choose wild modules, that is, courses on offer in other departments, for instance, history, languages, or computer science, to name but a few!
4. No exams! (Well, except for logic…)
At Kent, we think that exams typically aren’t a very good way of testing philosophical ability. So most philosophy courses are assessed by alternative means, for example, coursework like essays or presentations. Exams? Just say “No!”
5. A philosophical community!
Our teaching staff include experts in political philosophy, the history of philosophy, metaphysics, the philosophy of mind and action, the philosophy of science, and much more. And they’re all very approachable and willing to chat about your philosophical ideas. Staff and students regularly get together in the many events put on throughout each term, including talks from world experts, social events in pubs and restaurants, and philosophy trips around Kent. And we also have an active student-led Philosophy Society. So come and join our friendly, and inquisitive, philosophical community!