Introductions to Contemporary Philosophy: Structures and Systems

About this course

The course examines how meanings, identities and social roles are shaped by their relationships within wider structures. It considers whether systems need a central foundation, and how more open arrangements can enable new connections and effects. Readings from Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida and Gilles Deleuze provide routes into questions about structure, power, play and open systems. Learners also apply these ideas by mapping centres of authority, relationships, feedback loops and possible points of change in institutions, social media platforms and AI systems.

What you'll learn

• Explain key ideas associated with structuralism and post-structuralism
• Analyse how relations and systems shape meanings, identities and social roles
• Interpret philosophical discussions of centres, difference, play, power and open systems
• Map authorities, relationships, feedback loops and possible transformations within a system

Is this course right for you?

Listed at All Levels, the course is presented as an introduction to contemporary philosophical questions rather than as advanced specialist study. It suits learners willing to engage with philosophical readings and apply abstract ideas to examples including institutions, social media platforms and AI systems.