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"Know Thyself"
IB Philsophy with Joshua Childs.
Welcome to Philosophy. This course stems from the basic human desire to ask "why?".
It is often surmised that humans have been pondering the predicament of human existence since self awareness struck.
Many bright hominids have come up with compelling answers to the question.
We will study interesting ideas and systems of thought throughout your coursework in philosophy.
The goal for this course is for you to develop the tools to think critically about your envirionment.
An excellent grade in the course is earned not only by studying the ideas of the past but by using the ideas of great thinkers
to be able to formulate and explain your own unique epistemology.
IB states the goal thusly:
Philosophy is a systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinnating and challenging questions such as: What is it to be human?
Do we have free will? What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong?
These abstract questions arise out of our everyday experiences, and philosophical tools such as critical and systematic thinking,
careful analysis, and construction of arguments provide the means of addressing such questions. The practice of philosophy
deepens and clarifies our understanding of these questions, as well as our ability to formulate possible reponses.
The practical place to share your contributions to knowledge in this course is the edmodo page. The edmodo sign in is- 74w283.
The emphasis of the Diploma Programme philosophy course is on "doing philosophy", that is, on activiely engaging students in
philosophical activity. The course is focused on stimulating students intellectual curiosity and encouraging to examine both
their own perspectives and those of others. Students are challenged to develop their own philosophical voice and to grow into
independent thinkers., in addition to engaging with some of the world's most interesting and influential thinkers. The course
also develops highly transferable skills such as the ability to formulate arguments clearly, to make reasoned judgements and
to evaluate highly complex and multifaceted issues.
All students study a core theme entitled "Being Human". This theme provides an opportunity to explore the fundamental question
of what it is to be human. This exploration takes place through a discussion of key concepts such as identity, freedom,
and human nature, and through a consideration of questions such as what sets humans apart from other species, where the
boundaries of being human lie, and whether animals or machines could be considered persons. Students also develop their skills
through the study of other philosophical themes and the close reading of a philosophical text. They also learn to apply their
philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations and to explore how non-philosophical material can be treated in a philosophical way.
HL Students also engage in a deeper exploration of the nature of philosophy itself.
Philosophy Guide- This is the official IB Guide to the course pages 15 and 16 should be printed and added to your notebook.
Week 1-
What is Philosophy?
Acquire a copy of Plato's Republic edited by Allan Bloom
Acquire a copy of Philosopher's Way by John Chaffee. (3rd edition recommended)
Read and Discuss:
Plato: Socratic Wisdom
John Locke: Of Enthusaism and the Quest for Truth
Bertrand Russell: The Value of Philosophy
Week 2-
What is Man?
Introduction to Logic- Deductive vs Inductive
Begin Chapter 1 of Plato's Republic.
Week 3-
What is Man?
Formal Logic
Chapter 2 of Plato's Republic
Week 4-
What is Man?
Logical Fallacies
Chapter 3 & 4 of Plato's Republic
Week 5-
What is Man?
Overview of Philosophy
Chapter 5 Plato's Republic
Week 6-
What is man? Outlines and essay prompt.
Chapter 6 Plato's Republic
IA Discussion
Week 7-
What is Man? Rough Draft Due.
Chapter 8 Plato's Republic
Week 8-
What is Man? Final Draft
Chapters 9 & 10 Plato's Republic
Week 9-
Plato- Outlines and Essay Prompts
Introduction to Ethics
Week 10-
Ethics
IA Discusion
Week 11- ESSAY TEST
Review
Test on Plato and What is Man!
Week 12- Ethics
Week 13- Ethics
