Glasgow University has launched a new philosophy course based on TV show The Simpsons.

The course, called D'Oh! The Simpsons Introduce Philosophy says it will "explore some of philosophy’s most inspiring ideas as presented in Matt Groening’s monument to the absurdities of human existence."

According to the course lierature: "The Simpsons is one of the modern world’s greatest cultural artefacts partly because it is so full of philosophy.

"Aristotle, Kant, Marx, Camus, and many other great thinkers’ ideas are represented in what is arguably the purest of philosophical forms: the comic cartoon."

A Glasgow University Facebook post advertising the short course has racked-up more than 460 likes and nearly 100 shares.

Dr John Donaldson, a tutor of philosophy at the university who will be running the course, said The Simpsons are being used to introduce people to the subject.

He said: "The course uses The Simpsons as a vehicle of introducing the people to philosophical ideas.

"We do look at Homer and ask if he is a virtuous person. We do that after talking about moral philosophy.

"There is also a part of the course where we look at Ned Flanders. He's obviously a very religious person.

"Ned thinks he should do things because God wants him to do it. We use this to look at the theory of moral command.

"As far as using episodes, we will refer to the 'Mr Lisa Goes to Washington' episode as a means of looking at political philosophy.

"Another example that the course will refer to the 'Bart the Genius' episode - the one where Bart steals his classmate Martin's work and ends up being sent to a special school.

"By using that episode we will be able to talk about free will."

Dr Johnson hopes that more people will want to study philosophy after taking part on the course.

He added: "The aim of the course is really to introduce people and spur their interest in philosophy.

"It is over-subscribed but we'll be running a second course later in January.

"If you look at The Simpsons more closely, it's full of philosophy. It really is a sophisticated work of art."

The success of The Simpsons-themed philosophy courses has encouraged Dr Donaldson in to looking at other popular TV shows for inspiration.

He said: "We're looking to expand our provision of popular culture philosophy courses and next summer for example, we're planning to run 'Game of Thrones' and 'Westworld' philosophy courses."

This day-school will run on January 14, 2017 at 10am.