Critical and Ethical Thinking - Pondering the Big Questions (ages 13-15)

This class teaches critical thinking and ethical thinking skills. It also encourages and teaches mature and respectful conversation with people who may disagree or hold differing opinions. Classes are limited to a maximum of 4 students, so each one has plenty of opportunity to contribute their ideas and explanations.

Each week we will discuss a new topic (see list below). As class instructor I will use short story scenarios as prompts to pose various questions, and ask the students to share their thoughts. I do not offer any answers or my own opinions - it is up to the students to consider the topic and formulate their own critical appraisal. My role is to guide them to thinking about things from different viewpoints, and to discuss it with one another in a respectful manner. 

This is an ongoing class: every week the material is new and different. Students can stay enrolled for as long as they like. Students do not require any previous knowledge for this class. This class is similar to my class "Critical and Ethical Thinking - Let's Talk About Tricky Stuff" (ages 10-12), but with more advanced topics for students in the 13-15 year age range.

Students are required to have their video on at the start of each class for identification as per Outschool rules. Students are encouraged to participate in the full class with video on, but may turn it off if they wish.

Upcoming topics, with sample questions (we cover many more during the class):

Week of Tue 8-Mon 14 Apr: Brands and Trademarks
	• Why do companies create brands?
	• Why do companies care so much about protecting their logos and brand names?
	• Is it fair that some words or symbols can be owned and restricted by companies?
	• Is it okay that many products have brand logos on them, so other people know which brand you bought?
	• Can buying expensive brands be a status symbol?
	• Can a brand lose the trust of customers? What would make that happen?

Week of Tue 15-Mon 21 Apr: Memories
	• Why do we need memories?
	• Why do we sometimes forget things even when we try to remember them?
	• How can we know if a memory is accurate?
	• Should we trust eyewitnesses in important situations, like in a courtroom?
	• If technology could help us never forget anything, would that be a good thing?
	• Could changing someone’s memories ever be ethical?

Week of Tue 22-Mon 28 Apr: Antarctica
	• What do you think it would be like to explore or live in Antarctica?
	• Why is Antarctica important for the rest of the world, even though almost no one lives there?
	• If valuable resources were found in Antarctica, who should have the right to use them?
	• Should Antarctica be completely protected from human activity, or are there some things we should be allowed to do there?
	• What are the dangers of too many people visiting or working in Antarctica?
	• If climate change makes Antarctica a habitable continent, what might happen?

Week of Tue 29 Apr-Mon 5 May: Flight
	• What does the story of Icarus teach us about ambitions and limits?
	• What do you think it was like to test an early flying machine?
	• Should people be allowed to fly anywhere in the world, or should there be limits?
	• Who should get to decide how flight is used—governments, companies, or the public?
	• What are the pros and cons of flight in an airship compared to planes?
	• Should everyone in the world be able to afford to fly, or is it okay if only some can?

Following weeks will be a new topic every week (updated here regularly).