Modern Philosophy - From Descartes to Wittgenstein and Heidegger in Ten Lessons

From 21.66 C$ /h

Learn to think with the great philosophers of the past!

In these tutorials you will learn
- about the ideas of some of the most famous and influential philosophers of the modern age,
- how to read and understand original philosophical texts,
- most importantly, how to become a critical thinker and philosophise on your own.

In ten tutorials (each two hours long), we will follow the development of modern philosophy from the 17th century to the present. We will start with Descartes, look at Spinoza, Locke, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, and end with Wittgenstein and Heidegger. We will cover topics in the philosophy of mind and language, in epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. We will discuss questions such as "Is the mind distinct from matter?", "Can I know anything?", "Can we distinguish between good and evil?", "Does God exist?" etc.

Note:
You can choose whether you prefer ten tutorials (each two hours long) or twenty tutorials (each one hour long).

About me:
I am a retired university professor who still enjoys teaching philosophy. I have taught many students (graduate and undergraduate) for several decades at reputable British universities. I obtained my philosophy doctorate at the University of Oxford. I have published many books and articles in philosophy. Among my favourite philosophers are Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Wittgenstein and Heidegger.

Extra information

I will send you information about which book we will work.

Location

Use Ctrl + wheel to zoom!

At teacher's location :

Rue des Confederes

Online from Belgium

About Me

I am a retired university professor who still enjoys teaching. I have taught for several decades at reputable British universities. I obtained my doctorate at the University of Oxford. I have published many books and articles in philosophy. Among my favorite philosophers are Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Wittgenstein and Heidegger.

Education

PhD in philosophy (University of Oxford), 2006
MA in philosophy, history and sociology (University of Leipzig), 1997
Diploma in ancient Greek (Bremen, Altes Gymnaisum)

Experience / Qualifications

I taught philosophy graduates and undergraduates for several decades, at three reputable British universities, including Oxford.

Age

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

120 minutes

The class is taught in

English

German

Skills

Philosophy

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

At teacher's location and via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Meditations on First Philosophy - How to Read a Philosophical Text

21.66 C$ /h

Descartes is widely regarded as the founder of modern philosophy and one of the greatest thinkers of all time. But it is not easy for us today to understand his texts, written nearly 400 years ago.

In these tutorials you will learn
- to read and understand his most famous book "Meditations on First Philosophy",
- come to appreciate the originality and importance of his ideas,
- and, most especially, how to become a critical thinker and philosophize on your own.

Length: six tutorials (each two hours long) or twelve tutorials (each one hour long).

Note: The first tutorial will take place online. After that, the tutorials can also take place at my home in Brussels.

About me:
I am a retired university professor who still enjoys teaching. I have taught for several decades at reputable British universities. I obtained my doctorate at the University of Oxford. I have published many books and articles in philosophy. Among my favorite philosophers are Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Wittgenstein and Heidegger.

Javier

5.0

(8)

I am a qualified teacher of English and Spanish is my mother tongue. I graduated with a Master in Philosophy, a Master in Political Science, a Master in University Pedagogy (with distinction), and I am a doctoral student in Philosophy. I like the interaction with the students and the dynamics in my races. I have several interests and motivations (including musical composition and literature), so conversation lessons are my asset.

Manoé

5.0

(8)

Master-Assistant in Philosophy at the Brussels Free High School Ilya Prigogine, I propose an individualized pedagogy and / or small group aiming to initiate the student (s) to the learning of the philosophical reflection through the study of the history of Philosophy.

Marta

5.0

(8)

I study Romance and French and I offer private lessons in French, philosophy and English to high school students. I am here to answer questions concerning the subject matter of the class, to explain certain notions that the student would not have understood, to help in the preparation of questions and assignments, etc.

Jérémie

5.0

(8)

Philosophy is not meant to be kept as a secret to a small number of the persons. You can benefit from it too. It's often seen as quite complex but if you just give it a sincere try you might find yourself really loving it.

For each student, there is a unique way of learning. So let's find together what is best for you.
I'm a graduate French and philosophy teacher and I hope to meet you soon. Don't delay happiness and tranquility

Sorina

5.0

(8)

Improving overall life performance and attaining more and more satisfaction and a good feeling about yourself;
How to deal with all sorts of situations at work, home, in any social relation;
Develop personal, suit-tailored life strategies;
Coaching in a personal program, specially designed to fit your needs.

Attipoe

5.0

(8)

Hello,
I have strong skills and knowledge that will allow me to help students in difficulty by providing them with a certain method of work and my academic support.

Having done many baby-sittings during my studies, I very often assisted the children in their homework and am therefore able to help a child with some gaps in his schooling. Benevolent, attentive, pedagogue and assiduous, I am sure that my help will be invaluable and that you will be delighted to count me among your teachers at home.

I remain at your disposal for any additional information and I hope that you will give me the opportunity to integrate your network of home teachers.

Mael

5.0

(8)

Currently a first year student of the International Master in Architecture at KU Leuven as well as a correspondence student in the second year of the Research Master in Philosophy, I propose to help your child with his homework (simple follow-up, methodological and editorial help etc.) and this at primary as well as secondary. I have been giving private lessons in France for 4 years and my university career has allowed me to acquire methodological skills in a large number of subjects:
- Scientific Baccalaureate 2015
- Preparatory class for the grandes écoles (Letters / social sciences / mathematics) 2015 - 2017 / Under-eligible for the Normal Superior School
- Double license (3rd year) Philosophy - Social Sciences (Paris I Sorbonne - Paris X Dauphine), mention Bien 2017 - 2018
- Bachelor of Architecture (2nd and 3rd year) National School of Architecture of Nantes, mention Bien 2018 - 2020
- Research Master in Philosophy by distance learning Paris IX Nanterre, 2019-2021
- International Master of Architecture KU Leuven, 2020-2022
I speak French (native), English (C1), Spanish (B2).

My methodology evolves according to the needs and difficulties of the students. For fairly regular support, such as homework help, I usually set up a file writing system which allows students to structure their work and to be able to revise even after I have left. For more methodological advice I also adapt to the student. Thus, there may be joint writing or corrections of work done in class. On the other hand I am very available for my students, I respond quickly by email if necessary, I can also make corrections or revision documents from my home in order to complete the sessions with your child.

Nouha

5.0

(8)

I am a third year law student at the Université Saint-Louis (trilingual major in fr-en-nl). Passionate about my studies, I have been giving private lessons for several years. I am also interested in questions of university methodology. Thus, I have already been participating for several years in success assistance programs, as a "tutor" or as an accompanist for homework help. My former students say of me that I am diligent and methodical.
I have a particular interest in public law but I can also help with private law courses, as well as language courses. Being currently doing an additional bachelor's degree in philosophy, I can also assist students who have questions for non-legal courses (philosophy, sociology, etc.).
My curriculum has allowed me for several years to have part of my classes in another language, English or Dutch, so I can help on that level as well!

Carla

5.0

(8)

Hello :)

My name is Carla, I am a 24-year-old student in a sound engineering course in Brussels.
I have a master's degree in Philosophy of Art and a bachelor's degree in Philosophy of Science.
I propose :
- primary/secondary level courses in Mathematics, French and Philosophy.
- general school support (to prepare for the central jury or help a pupil in difficulty) in all subjects.
- French as a foreign language courses for Spanish or English speakers.

I have three years of private tutoring experience and enjoy teaching very much.
I am available mainly on weekends and in the town of Saint-Gilles.

Natalie

5.0

(8)

Logic is learned through examples. The course will be a step-by-step explanation of how (and why each step) to do exercises, in addition to some clever tips for understanding. This will be a fun and understandable explanation. You will see logic in a whole new light!

Lamia

5.0

(8)

Introduce yourself to the major trends in the history of thought, learn to analyze philosophical and literary texts and to structure your thoughts through the exercise of the dissertation. School and university courses in literature, philosophy and human sciences

Emmanuel

5.0

(8)

Hi there! 👋
I offer personalized tutoring sessions in mathematics, statistics, political science, and philosophy for high school students, university students, or curious minds of any age. My teaching style is patient, structured, and always tailored to your pace — with the goal of making complex ideas clearer, more concrete, and (hopefully) more exciting too! 😊

✅ What I Offer:

✔️ Clear, simple explanations with academic rigor
✔️ A fully personalized approach based on your goals and level
✔️ Support for exams, homework, and university coursework
✔️ Deep dives into key concepts, theories, and methods
✔️ A motivating, non-judgmental learning environment

🧠 Who It’s For:

High school or university students in need of extra support
Students in social sciences, philosophy, economics or PPE
Anyone wanting to strengthen their foundations or get ahead
Curious minds who love critical thinking, numbers, and big ideas!

👩‍🏫 About Me:

I’m a soon-to-be graduate in international relations with a multidisciplinary background in PPE: political science, economics, philosophy, and languages. I have a strong foundation in analysis, logic, and pedagogy — and I’m passionate about making learning engaging, meaningful, and fun. 🌍✨

📍Available Online or In-Person (depending on your location)
🕒 Flexible scheduling | 💰 Affordable rates

Ready to dive in?

Send me a message and let’s plan your first session! Talk soon 🔍✏️

Enriqueta

5.0

(8)

This class offers personalized instruction in philosophical and/or sociological theory, suited both for students seeking academic support and for individuals with a general interest in a philosophical topic.
Sessions are designed according to the student’s goals, whether it’s clarifying course material, preparing written assignments, or exploring theoretical texts independently.

I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Philosophy. My areas of specialization include ancient philosophy, early modern philosophy, and phenomenology. I also hold a background in sociology, which allows me to offer interdisciplinary approaches to social theory and critical thought.

Sessions can be focused on specific authors or movements (e.g. Plato, Spinoza, feminist theory), or organized thematically around concepts such as love, beauty, perception, or subjectivity. The goal is to foster rigorous but accessible understanding, with attention to both conceptual clarity and historical context.

Maarten

5.0

(8)

This private class offers an exploration into rich and complex tapestry that is Chinese culture. Based on your interest, you'll learn more about Chinese history, philosophy, traditional and modern Chinese society, literature, religion, etc.

With China's importance on the international stage growing incessantly, I believe it's very useful to understand the Chinese way of thinking, to develop awareness of cultural sensitivities and to gain some insight in the history that structures China's perspective on the world.

Originally structured as a lecture-based course, the content can also be restructured into a more interactive learning design. Whether you're interested in ancient classical philosophy, dynastic history, modern Chinese society and popculture or the economic development of China, this course has something to offer.

Florent

5.0

(8)

I can tutor French-speaking and international students in French/French literature, as well as in English and philosophy. I am also available to help with homework.
I am encouraging and positive. I have already tutored several students in the subjects mentioned above.

A journalist for ten years, I hold a master's degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne University Paris 1 and a master's degree in political science (Sciences Po Strasbourg). I studied in preparatory classes for the humanities (hypokhâgne/khâgne) in France.

I work in English on a daily basis, as a journalist specializing in European affairs.

I can support both French-speaking and international students in French/French literature, but also in English and philosophy. I am also available to help with homework.

I am encouraging and positive. I have already supported several students in the subjects mentioned above.

I have been a journalist for ten years and hold a Master's degree in Philosophy from the Sorbonne University (Paris 1) as well as a Master's degree in Political Science from Sciences Po Strasbourg. I studied in France in literary preparatory classes (hypokhâgne/khâgne).

I work in English on a daily basis as a journalist in European affairs.