COURSES

Socratic Method: Plan, script - question sorting and introducing 'Big Questions'

What is 'real'? Plan - thinking about where knowledge comes from and whether we can tell if something is real or not. Discusses personhood. 

What's the Big Idea? Plan - an introduction to philosophy and some of the big ideas it delves into. 

How Did the Universe Come to Be? A discussion based unit about creation and the idea of God. 

What is the Difference Between Knowing and Believing? Plan - a look at observation, faith and miracles. 

Morality: How do People Make Moral Decisions? Plan - a look at how people justify moral decisions with logical arguments.  

Utilitarianism Parts I & II - Plans, Presentation, Scenario Cards - a look at Bentham and Mill's system for moral decision making.  

Ontology: Plan, Presentation - A look at the Ontological arguments for the existence of God and its problems. 

Plato's Cave:  Plan - A look at the role of the philosopher in society and the idea of knowledge through revelation. 

The Purpose of Things:  Plan - A discussion based enquiry into the purpose of everyday things. It examines the 'why' of objects, both made and naturally occurring. An introduction to teleology. 

Of Superheroes and Miracles:  Plan and Presentation - A discussion based enquiry into the origins of the idea of the 'superhero'. Encompassing believability, scepticism, Hume and his views on miracles. 

Morality with a Buddhist Focus: Plan - A discussion based enquiry looking at morality and the externalised, spiritual drives behind it. Encompassing non-spiritual reasons of morality, inviting discussion about internal morality as well as a starting point to study belief in karma. 

Knowing VS Believing Part 1:  Plan - A discussion based enquiry looking at the difference between 'Knowing' and 'believing'. Part 1 covers magic tricks and the senses as a source of 'fact'. It asks whether scientists need a little belief in their line of work too. Introduces concepts such as dark matter.

Knowing VS. Believing Part 2:  Plan and Presentation - A discussion using Flew's The Invisible Gardener Parable. How do we know things? Is there a battle going on between science and belief? Do scientists believe? An introduction to the Falsification Principle. 

A range of 6 lessons looking at the lives and major influence of 4 Great Philosophers. These resources can stand alone or be taught as a unit covering some major themes from the Ancients. There are 4 philosopher based PowerPoint presentations, factsheets and questions to go with each unit. There are also 2 bonus presentations bringing the work of the philosophers together around ideas about being 'good' and the soul. These connect to Christianity and Buddhism.