Free Online Modern Philosophy Courses from Top Universities

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The courses in this list can guide you through a reading of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason or introduce you to the concepts of knowledge used in contemporary philosophy. Not only can you stay in your pajamas, but you also don't have to pay a penny to access top-notch college philosophical material.
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Free Modern Philosophy Courses

Here are 5 online Modern Philosophy courses offered free by two top universities: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Open University.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT's OCW has a few notable courses in modern philosophy. The A Priori Knowledge course explores works from Kant, Descartes, and Hume, as well as taking a quick look back to Plato's ancient philosophy for some historical ties. But first, check out Theory of Knowledge to get a grasp on contemporary knowledge and belief.

The Open University

The Open University often offers courses with close looks at specific persons or places of interest interspersed amongst its more general topic courses. One example is the course on the late 18th philosopher David Hume, who wrote on the immortality of the soul. Meanwhile, The Enlightenment explores cultural climate and shift in the age of Enlightenment.

Free Online Modern Philosophy Courses at a Glance

Course & SchoolProgram LevelFormatAssignmentsQuizzes & ExamsDownloadable
Topics in the History of Philosophy: Kant course from MITUndergraduateText LessonsYesYesYes
Theory of Knowledge course from MITUndergraduateExternal Reading ResourcesYesNoYes
Topics in Theory of Knowledge: A Priori Knowledge course from MITGraduateExternal Reading ResourcesYesNoYes
David Hume course from Open UniversityIntermediateText LessonsYesNoYes
The Enlightenment course from Open UniversityIntermediateText Lessons/VideosYesNoYes

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    1. National University

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    2. Liberty University

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Featured Schools

The schools and programs listed below are popular educational options, and tuition varies based on program and location

National University

  • PhD - Social Emotional Learning
  • PhD - Culture, Diversity & Social Justice in a Global Context

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Liberty University

  • DMN: Church Revitalization
  • MAR: Homiletics
  • BS: Religion
  • GRAD CERT: Hebrew

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University of Maryland Global Campus

Grand Canyon University

  • Bachelor: Sociology

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UMass Global

  • AA (General Education)

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