Big Juicy Questions: The Lifeboat Dilemma

In this class, we examine the Lifeboat Dilemma. Through Socratic questioning and discussion, we offer different scenarios in which we look at the ethical nature of life and whether or not some lives have more value than others. We study what philosophers of the past and present have to say about the topic and dive deep into what it means to have value and what are the potential consequences of comparing that value against the life of someone else. 

All of our classes are highly interactive, age appropriate, and discussion based. We use Socratic Questioning because it helps to draw out the students and encourages them to participate in the discussion as they formulate and articulate what they think and believe about each topic. Hearing what others have to say on a topic helps students refine their own beliefs and sometimes challenges them in a way that allows for examination in a safe, egalitarian environment. 

This class is primarily discussion based with the teachers offering information, scenarios and guiding questions to move the discussion along. There is no prior knowledge necessary for any of the Big Juicy Questions classes. We make sure that everyone in the class gets a chance to share their thoughts on each topic.