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An image to illustrate Investigating philosophy module
Philosophers like to ask deep and penetrating questions. What does it mean to be moral? Would a perfect God let evil exist in the world? When, if ever, is it acceptable to disobey the law? Is the mind distinct from the brain? What is knowledge? Is race ‘socially real’, and what does that mean? In this module, you will investigate these questions and many more through six topics central to philosophy. The study materials will guide you in learning how to analyse texts, construct arguments and evaluate philosophical theories while leaving space for independent study and reflection.
The module consists of the following six blocks:

Block 1: Philosophy of Religion

The concept of God is a concept of an all-powerful entity that exists outside time and space. The philosophical puzzles this raises have been studied for millennia by believers and nonbelievers alike. This block draws on a number of different traditions to study the nature of God, the problem posed by the existence of evil, and the occurrence, or not, of miracles.
Block 2: Political Philosophy through Plato’s Crito

Plato’s Crito was written 2400 years ago, but it still has much to teach us. It makes us ask ourselves such questions as “What is the state?” and “Why should we obey the law – if we should?” This block uses Plato’s Crito as the gateway to an exploration of political philosophy today.
Block 3: Philosophy of Mind

Humans and other animals have minds, whereas sticks and stones do not. But what is it to have a mind? The brain seems to have something to do with it, but is it the whole story? Could artificial intelligence be capable of thought, emotion and experience? The block explores these questions.
Block 4: Ethics

This block looks at three philosophical answers to the question of what it is for our actions to be right or wrong. Are the right actions simply the ones with the best consequences? Or do we have ‘moral duties’ we should fulfil regardless of the consequences? Or perhaps we should simply focus on being good, virtuous people and then the right actions will follow?
Block 5: Epistemology

Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How do we know about the world? One obvious answer is by using our senses. Do our senses supply all that we know? Even mathematics? Don’t we, in fact, also acquire knowledge from listening to other people and reading what they have written? But how do I decide whether to trust other people? Do we all have equal access to knowledge, or are some groups better 'knowers' than others?
Block 6: Philosophy of Race

The final block uses the skills you have gained throughout the module to answer questions in the Philosophy of Race. What is race? Is it a biological category? A social category? How is the idea of racial groups linked to broader societal structures? It will also analyse racism: is it a belief, a disposition to think badly of certain people, or something else?
Philosophy trains you to analyse complex texts and arguments, and consider both sides of an issue. It also teaches how to dispel confusion, express yourself clearly, and formulate clear arguments. These are key skills much valued in the workplace.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
The module combines two textbooks with online resources. The books are self-standing, so you will not have to keep jumping back and forth between them and your computer. You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
DA223 is a compulsory module in our:
DA223 is an option module in our:
Investigating philosophy starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2035.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
This is an OU level 2 module. OU level 2 modules build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from previous studies at OU level 1. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably at the OU.
If you would like to do some reading in advance, Simon Blackburn’s Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press, 2001) is an accessible introductory book.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying DA223 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
03 Oct 202630 Jun 202710 Sep 2026£4,088
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Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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