Philosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is central to our understanding of the world, our place in it and our interaction with it.Philosophy provides the tools by which the presuppositions of all areas of intellectual and practical activity may be systematically and critically examined.While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, the study of philosophy emphasises the use of:argumentcritical enquiryrigour in reasoningclarity of expression, including the making of pertinent distinctionsThe University has a strong historic connection to the subject, counting Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.Edinburgh has one of the UK’s largest philosophy departments and the Philosophy Society attracts high-profile speakers.The programme structure allows you to cover the basics of Western philosophy and have the opportunity to specialise in your areas of interest