Meditations on First Philosophy - How to Read a Philosophical Text

From 11.61 £ /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.

Location

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

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

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

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

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

11.61 £ /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.

Adrienne

5.0

(6)

I offer tutoring in literature subjects up to the final year of high school and the first years of university. I have over 15 years of experience in this field. Accustomed to working with children and teenagers, I have also tutored many young adults at the post-secondary level.

I have a degree in philosophy and comparative literature, I work as a freelance journalist and I work every week as a trainer in a private school.

Rafaël

5.0

(6)

This course is primarily an introduction to philosophy, ideal for beginners. We will approach the main currents, from Antiquity to the Modern Age.
For those who then want to go further, I offer more in-depth courses in the following disciplines: general epistemology, anthropology, philosophy of science, philosophy of nature, moral philosophy, aesthetics, metaphysics.

Feel free to contact me for more information.

Marjorie

5.0

(6)

Teacher in activity and graduate (Master, Doctorate and pedagogical diploma in Philosophy, Master in French Literature) gives private lessons in philosophy (Maturity, French Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate), French, English and theory of knowledge or theory of knowledge TOK (IB), in French or English.

Philosophy, English and French Theory of knowledge qualified teacher gives private lessons in French or English in the following subjects:

- French language / cours de français (beginners, intermediate, advanced)
Conversation courses / preparation for exams (DELF / DALF)

- French literature / school / university French course

- Theory of knowledge / Theory of knowledge (IB Diploma)

- English or French as a second language (Secondary 1 and 2)

- Philosophy (in French or English)

-Psychology (in French or English)

Highly knowledgeable in: International Baccalaureate, Maturité Suisse, French Baccalaureate.

Manon

5.0

(6)

Welcome to the Philosophy course at all levels by Manon, a passionate philosophy teacher and holder of a Philosophy degree. Whether you are a beginner in this discipline or want to deepen your knowledge, this course will allow you to explore fundamental philosophical concepts, prepare for the baccalaureate in philosophy, get help with your homework or even go over the basics essential.

General philosophy:
This course covers a full range of topics in philosophy, from metaphysical questions to ethical problems, epistemology and political philosophy. We will explore major philosophical theories, major schools of thought, and influential philosophers who have shaped our understanding of the world. You will develop a critical and in-depth vision of these concepts.

Preparation for the philosophy baccalaureate:
If you are preparing to take the baccalaureate philosophy test, this course is designed to provide you with the tools necessary for your success. We will study specific exam requirements, review recurring themes and frequently asked questions, and practice text analysis and essay exercises. You will be guided through the different stages of the exam, giving you the means to develop a solid and structured argument. To familiarize yourself with the exam format and practice in a targeted manner, we will use a corpus including past philosophy exam topics. You will have the opportunity to practice explaining text and writing essays based on these topics. We will analyze the different approaches and key points of these topics together, to build your confidence and mastery of the exam requirements.

Philosophy homework help:
If you need additional assistance with your philosophy homework, this course is the perfect opportunity to receive individualized support. I will help you clarify difficult concepts, deepen your understanding of philosophical texts, and improve your writing skills. Together we will address the questions and issues raised by your assignments, providing clear explanations and relevant advice.

Resuming the concepts:
If you want to refresh your knowledge of philosophy, this course is adapted to your needs. We will revisit key concepts and important theories in philosophy, with an emphasis on understanding and critical thinking. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss philosophical ideas and consolidate your knowledge base.

Methodology of text explanation and dissertation:
Philosophy requires a methodical and rigorous approach to analyzing philosophical texts and constructing solid arguments. During this program, we will teach you the essential methodologies for explaining a philosophical text and writing a philosophical dissertation. You will learn to identify key ideas, structure your reasoning, support your arguments with relevant examples and develop critical and coherent thinking. The essay is a key component of the philosophy exam. During this program, I will teach you the techniques necessary to construct a strong and coherent essay. You will learn to formulate a clear problem, structure your argument, use relevant examples and develop a convincing conclusion. We will also review the assessment criteria used during the exam in order to prepare you optimally. We will look in detail at the methodology of text explanation, which is an essential skill for the philosophy exam. You will learn to rigorously analyze philosophical texts, identify the main ideas, decipher arguments and grasp the subtleties of concepts. Through practical exercises, you will develop your skills in critical reading and interpretation of philosophical texts.

Discussion of several philosophical problems:
Philosophy is a discipline that addresses fundamental questions about the nature of existence, morality, knowledge, freedom and many other subjects. During this program, we will engage in in-depth discussions of several relevant philosophical issues. You will be encouraged to express your own opinions, confront different perspectives and develop critical thinking on these complex issues.

Application of philosophy in daily life:
Philosophy is not limited to a school subject, it is also relevant in our daily lives. During this program, we will explore how philosophical concepts can be applied to concrete situations in everyday life. We will analyze ethical dilemmas, social justice issues, knowledge issues and more. You will discover how philosophy can enrich your understanding of the world around you.

Join me on this intellectually stimulating journey to discover philosophy. Whether you want to improve your critical thinking skills, prepare for an exam, or simply explore fundamental questions of human existence, this course is designed to help you achieve your philosophical goals.

Lamia

5.0

(6)

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

Juan

5.0

(6)

The type of course I teach is intended to clarify the difficulties related to the understanding and production of philosophical texts. "How should I approach this philosophical problem or text?" In what philosophical and historical context does this issue/problem fit? "What texts should I read?" How should I read them?" "How should I organize the information?" to communicate philosophical ideas?" are some of the questions I can help you solve.

The type of course I teach aims at clarifying the difficulties related to the comprehension and production of philosophical texts. "How should I approach this philosophical problem or text? "In what philosophical and historical context does this issue/problem fit?" "Which texts should I read?" "How should I read them?" "How should I organize the information to communicate philosophical ideas?" are some of the questions I can help you solve.

Emmanuel

5.0

(6)

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 🔍✏️

Kevin

5.0

(6)

It is true that the philosopher is the friend of wisdom, but above all, he is someone who does not want to make mistakes in reasoning. Philosophizing is a way of reasoning and a way of solving problems that will never have a perfect and definitive solution. Knowing the distance between the Earth and the Moon is not a problem of philosophy, because it is enough to measure to solve it. On the other hand, knowing, for example, what justice is, is a problem of philosophy. A meter will not be able to help us know the answer. We must go about it differently, and in the courses I offer, I will teach you how.

You will learn

- text reading strategies
- case studies with the aim of learning from experts
- methodology in philosophy
- writing an essay
- writing a text commentary
- a work on the philosophers of your choice
- an overview of the history of philosophy
- the general culture necessary to be able to philosophize

I will adapt to your individual needs. Each course is tailor-made. We will analyze where your difficulties lie and together develop a course program that will make you perform as quickly as possible. The basic principle of the courses I offer is dialectics, like Plato's dialogues: reflecting together, making theoretical contributions, asking questions and seeking answers, and testing the validity of reasoning.

For the past 10 years, I have been teaching German using the philosophy methodology, having studied philosophy at the Master's level at Aix-Marseille University. It turns out that the analytical mind is very useful even outside the confines of philosophy. Today, there are even fields of activity such as management with philosophy or philotherapy. In recent years, some German students have asked me to also teach them philosophy courses, and that is why I decided to offer philosophy courses directly.

I look forward to meeting you during a first lesson.

Luisa

5.0

(6)

I offer 3 types of courses:

- Classic language courses (Italian and English), personalized according to the specific needs of each learner;

- Philosophy mentoring for secondary school students up to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers;

- Language courses with a psycho-philosophical dimension, focused on work on self-knowledge and transformation, and including professional orientation and personal development tools inspired by ancient philosophy.

Paula

5.0

(6)

Years of experience in teaching, preparing, and delivering content for primary, secondary, and high school levels in subjects such as English, History, Art, Language and Literature, and Philosophy. I also have experience in the humanities and social sciences. I have experience tutoring adults and teenagers preparing for university entrance exams in these disciplines. I also teach basic levels of English (A1/A2/B1).

Ángeles

5.0

(6)

Philosophy and Latin classes for high school students. Since these subjects are often new to students, it can be difficult to become familiar with them, their concepts, and their content. In Philosophy, we approach them from the ground up, using examples that help students understand the philosophical concerns of major theoretical systems and their authors, as well as the current philosophical landscape. Classes focus both on acquiring the subject matter and on the best methodology according to the context and requirements set by the student's homeroom teacher to ensure the best possible outcome for achieving a good result in high school, given its importance for accessing subsequent academic levels.

In Latin, we focus on a good foundation in its grammar to be able to successfully solve any analysis and translation, including support in syntax if necessary, as well as tips and strategies to face the University Access exam.

Thomas

5.0

(6)

Are you struggling with philosophy, or do you want to learn the subject or deepen your knowledge? I adapt to each student's needs to help them progress and succeed in philosophy. To achieve this, I help students acquire the necessary methods, understand unclear course content, and train them in text commentary and essay writing exercises. The goal is to cultivate an interest in philosophy while equipping them with the keys to exam success.
The first step is to meet the student and determine together the difficulties and expectations of the lessons.
Master's degree and teaching qualification in philosophy. 5 years of teaching experience and currently preparing a thesis in environmental philosophy. Bilingual French-English.

Leo

5.0

(6)

Percorsi sono individuali e personalizzati, basati su un metodo che unisce astrologia, antroposofia, alchimia, biochimica, sciamanesimo e costellazioni familiari/esoteriche.
I Servizi (Cosa faremo insieme)
Propongo percorsi di mentoring e sessioni di decodifica focalizzati su:
• Logic Reset: Identificare e disinnescare i programmi mentali che bloccano la tua evoluzione.
• Allineamento Biologico: Imparare ad ascoltare e direzionare l’energia del corpo come bussola di verità.
• Navigazione Archetipale: Utilizzare i 12 Codici per mappare la tua realtà e prendere decisioni con chiarezza assoluta.
• Sblocco della Vocazione Ribelle: Trasformare l'ombra e i conflitti interiori nel carburante per la tua realizzazione pratica.

Sono Leo e il mio lavoro è accompagnare chi si sente fuori posto in un mondo di risposte pre-confezionate. Attraverso il sistema RCS (Ricordati Chi Sei), aiuto individui determinati a compiere un atto di consapevolezza e autonomia: smantellare le gabbie cognitive e riconnettersi alla propria fonte creativa e vitale (l’Anima). Ho scelto di operare al di fuori dei circuiti social per garantire la massima profondità e integrità in ogni percorso che guido. Lavoro con chi è stanco della teoria e cerca sostanza. Le mie sessioni sono spazi di verità, senza compromessi. Metto a disposizione la mia esperienza e i miei strumenti per aiutarti a vedere ciò che la Matrix nasconde, affinché tu possa tornare a essere l'unico autore della tua vita.

Luca

5.0

(6)

Italian is a rich and expressive language, and my lessons are designed to help students gain confidence and clarity in both speaking and writing. I offer personalised Italian lessons adapting each class to the student’s level and goals.

With academic training at the University of Oxford, I combine a clear and structured approach with practical exercises in grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and writing. Lessons can focus on everyday Italian, exam preparation, or the analysis of literary texts and essays.

Each lesson is engaging, goal-oriented, and tailored to the individual student.

Penelope

5.0

(6)

My methodology: Learning to structure one's thoughts to express oneself better
My approach is based on a simple observation: success is not achieved through lack of effort, but often through a lack of method and confidence. My role is to transform subjects sometimes perceived as abstract (Philosophy, French) or intimidating (English) into concrete tools for success.

The typical course of a session:
1. Quick diagnosis: We start by identifying the areas of uncertainty from the previous lesson or the difficulties with a specific exercise.
2. Taking action: No boring lectures! We work on concrete exercises, essay plans or oral practice (in English) to "learn by doing".
3. The "Montreal Method": Having worked for two and a half years in Quebec, I use a North American pedagogy that is very focused on encouragement, clear structure and student autonomy.
4. Summary & Objectives: We end each session with a recap of the key points so that the student knows exactly what to revise.

What makes the difference: As a philosophy student, I don't just teach authors; I teach the methodology that allows students to think for themselves about major philosophical concepts. In English, my dual nationality allows me to naturally correct speech patterns and accents. In French, I've had the privilege of preparing dozens of students for their Baccalaureate exams, using a targeted approach. My experience has taught me that there are no wrong answers, only ideas that need to be better formulated.