‘Philosophy’ means ‘love of wisdom’, so if you want to ‘get wise’ then this might be the subject for you!
From this course you will:
Learn to argue properly and express yourself coherently
Develop your skills of gathering evidence, reasoning and coming to a conclusion in a discussion or in written work
Develop your analytical skills by looking at philosophical texts like Descartes’ ‘Meditations’ and Nietzsche’s ‘Beyond Good and Evil’
Get the chance to THINK about some really big questions like ‘How should I act?’, ‘Do I agree with euthanasia?’ or ‘How do I actually know that I’m here and I’m not really plugged into the Matrix?!
Course Content
1. Theory of Knowledge (or, to use the posh word, epistemology)
In unit one we look at how we know and can justify that we know things. How can I be sure that the table is made up of atoms? Can I possibly doubt everything … even myself? Does that rose really smell or is the sensation in me? How can I be sure that when I see yellow you don’t see red?
(Confused? You won’t be after studying epistemology)
2. Moral Philosophy (or Ethics)
in unit two we look at what different philosophers think about how we should act in everyday situations. E.g. should we do something because ‘the Bible says so’, or because ‘we ought to’ or because it has good consequences’ or because ‘it’s what we want to do...full stop’! We then use the different theories to discuss animal rights, euthanasia and abortion.
3. Texts.
In unit three we look at a single book – Descartes’ ‘Meditations’. He’s French, and it’s 17 th century stuff! But for a 17 th century guy he thought about some amazing ideas. He is most famous for coining the phrase ‘I think, therefore I am’.
4. Philosophy of Mind
In this unit we look at theories of what ’mind’ actually is and how it relates to the body. Key questions include: can computers or Artificial Intelligence be said to have ’mind’? What is my personal identity and how exactly do I know that I am the same person as 10 years ago? How can I be sure that the minds of others are anything like mine... or even that others have minds at all! (Scary!)
5: Textual Study
In this unit you will be introduced to one of the most influential philosophers of the modern era - Friedrich Nietzsche - through his book ’Beyond Good and Evil’. The course will focus on a number of key themes and will involve close textual study. You will learn to appreciate but also to be critical of aspects of Nietzsche’s ambitious philosophical project.
6 The Synoptic Study
In this unit you will be given the opportunity to choose from a range of pre-given essay titles on different philosophers. These include Aristotle, Plato, David Hume, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell, A. J. Ayer and Jean Paul Sartre. Once you have chosen your title you will then be given time to research it and eventually you will write it up under exam conditions in early May. Your teacher will give you guidance and support throughout the researching and planning phases.
