​Introduction to Western Philosophy – Evening Classes
Weekly online evening classes exploring some of the central ideas, questions, and thinkers that have shaped Western thought.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm · 90 minutes per session ·
No prior knowledge of philosophy required
What the course offers
These evening classes provide a gentle but serious introduction to Western philosophy. The aim is to help you think more clearly about questions that matter: What can I know? What should I do? What makes a good life? How should we understand mind, self, freedom, and God?
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The course is suitable for adults of all backgrounds. You do not need any prior knowledge of philosophy, only a willingness to listen, and think carefully with others in a relaxed but focused environment.
How the classes run
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Format: Live online small-group sessions (10 persons maximum)
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Length: 90 minutes per class
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Style: Short introductions to the topic, followed by open discussion and questions
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Materials: Occasional handouts and suggestions for further reading, with optional written tasks for those who wish to go further
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Pace: Steady and reflective, with time for people to think and respond
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The atmosphere is friendly and conversational, but the ideas are taken seriously.
What we will explore
Over time, the course follows the broad development of Western philosophy, from the early Greek thinkers through to more recent figures. Along the way, we touch on themes such as:
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What philosophy is and why it matters
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Knowledge, doubt, and what it means to know something
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The nature of reality and the self
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Moral philosophy and how we should live
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Free will, responsibility, and personal identity
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Philosophy of mind and questions about consciousness
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Philosophy of religion and the idea of God
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Existentialism and the search for meaning
Each six-week block focuses on a selection of these themes, always with room for questions and interests that arise from the group.
About your tutor
I have taught philosophy for many years in universities, schools, and adult education. After studying undergraduate philosophy at the University of Hertfordshire, I continued my studies as a postgraduate at the University of Durham. My university teaching includes undergraduate philosophy at Heythrop College and the University of Hertfordshire. I have also taught A-Level Philosophy in several schools, including Sutton Grammar School, Roedean School, and Woking College.
My writing has appeared in journals such as Think and Philosophy Now, and I have spoken at academic events, public lectures, and philosophy festivals. My particular interests include the philosophy of Wittgenstein, moral philosophy, philosophical psychology, and the role of art and education in shaping human understanding.
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These evening classes are open to adults of all backgrounds, with no prior knowledge required. My aim is to create a friendly and thoughtful space in which ideas can be explored clearly and at a steady pace, allowing participants to enjoy the challenge and pleasure of philosophical conversation. I have enhanced DBS.
Fees and registration
The course is organised in six-week blocks.
Fee: £90 for each six-week block (£15 per class, payable at the beginning of the block)
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After you register your interest, I will contact you by email with details of the next block of classes, payment arrangements, and joining instructions.
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If you would like a short, 15-minute one-to-one Zoom call before deciding whether to join, you can indicate this on the registration form, and I will arrange a suitable time.
If you have any questions before registering, you are very welcome to get in touch.
Email: tutoring@adrianbrockless.com
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Feedback From Previous Evening Classes
"I thoroughly enjoyed Adrian's philosophy class and learnt a lot. I benefitted hugely from Adrians's wealth of knowledge and ability to explain complex ideas in a simple, straightforward and succinct way. Adrian has a friendly and approachable teaching style and takes pains to answer students' questions to ensure the class moves forward together. This creates a harmonious and collegiate atmosphere." Matthew Isted
"The face to face classes you ran explored the ideas and concepts of a new philosopher each week and opened my mind to all the different ways of thinking that humans have - and also the limits of their ideas and also their contradictions if their ideas were taken to their logical limit. To this day I remember some thought, or way of thinking from that teaching.It particularly worked well because the group was diverse and interruptions were allowed without any danger of ridicule and that created more depth and challenge to the thinking being explained. Richard M.
"I was in at the outset of Adrian's philosophy classes.... leaving a couple of years later only because I moved away. His love of the subject was infectious while his deep knowledge filled in many gaps in my understanding of the cornerstones of Western thought. Adrian's willingness to explain in simple terms a subject at times arcane was very welcome while the debates that ensued were both educative and engrossing. It was time very well spent!" Andrew Hogg