Harry Potter and Philosophy: Dumbledore and Ethics
In this single class learners will explore two philosophies of ethics, and ask whether Dumbledore behaved ethically at key points in the life of Harry Potter.
Sarah Rosenson
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(65)
What's included
1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentClass Experience
Philosophy means "the love of wisdom," and the questions philosophers ask are some of the most fundamental questions of life. Studying philosophy helps students expand their worldviews, form their own moral codes, and develop their critical thinking skills. One great way for students to delve in to these ideas and concepts is through the lens of a favorite work of literature. This class is designed for students who have already read (and loved!) the Harry Potter books. Students will have access to a video and a powerpoint presentation for this class. Sometimes in the video I will suggest they stop the video and take some time to write down their own ideas on the question we're exploring. At the end of the video I will ask a question they can answer by posting their thoughts in the classroom, and I will respond. (This service is available for one week.) More detail about the topic is given in the attached syllabus. Please note that I plan to post a series of one week self-paced classes on Harry Potter and Philosophy, so if you enjoy this class look for others as well! Philosophical topics covered will include: Love, Education Theory, and Leadership.
Syllabus
1 Lesson
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Dumbledore and Ethics
The utilitarian approach to ethics seeks to maximize the overall good, while the rule-based approach to ethics is very different. Did Dumbledore behave ethically when he was prepared to sacrifice Harry, an innocent teenager, in order to save everyone else? 1 assignment
23 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
This class is designed for students who have already read (and loved!) the Harry Potter books. Knowledge of the plot is assumed, and if you don't already know how the story ends, there will be spoilers!
Supply List
Students should have a pen or pencil and paper handy when they watch the video. There will be times I suggest that they stop the video to write down some of their own ideas on the questions being explored.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Outschool is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., owner of the Harry Potter® mark and related Harry Potter marks.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
65reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Juris Doctor from University of Pennsylvania Law School
Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Spertus Institute
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government from Georgetown University
I have a college degree, a law degree, and a Masters degree. For over a decade I created and taught classes for middle school and high school students at a private school, including a semester-long class on "Harry Potter and Philosophy."Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$18
for all content1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 2 learners
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Ages: 11-14
