Course summary

Philosophy has been a significant activity in most cultures for several thousand years. It seems to be a natural development of human societies to ask complex questions about the fundamental nature of reality, about what it is to be human, about what constitutes a good life, about the nature of beauty, justice, knowledge and truth, of how to confront and resolve ethical dilemmas. A degree in philosophy from SOAS, with its focus on the philosophical traditions of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, offers you the opportunity to become conversant with the formal epistemological systems and traditions of argumentation, political and ethical systems of thought, and analysis from a wider range of societies and historical contexts than those of the traditional philosophy graduate. This programme offers students a broad interdisciplinary foundation to the study of Africa and the Black Diaspora. The programme will also enable students to situate and engage with Africa in the global stage by acquiring substantive knowledge of historical and topical issues that are related to the continent. Students will gain critical insight into the history, politics, anthropology, economy, development, languages and cultures of Africa and the Black Diaspora. Students will also get the opportunity to engage with their own understanding of contemporary themes including Migration, Colonialism, economic change, climate change and popular culture.