Philosophy for Teens (B): {12 Week Semester} I Think Therefore I Am
Kathy Wilder
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(437)
Learners will explore logic, develop their critical thinking skills, analyze arguments and concepts, and enhance their problem solving skills.
Class experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Picture this: A journey of discovery. Delving into the realms of philosophical scenarios, curiosity will be sparked and critical thinking skills developed by challenging conventional wisdom and questioning assumptions. This isn't about finding right answers; it's about embracing the art of inquiry, fostering deep-seated curiosity, and honing the skill of self-directed learning. In our circle of inquiry all ideas are worthy of examination. This class is student centered. The teacher does not...
12 lessons//12 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Rights Explored: Understanding RightsStudents will explore rights. What is a right? Do children have rights? What are those rights?Week 2Lesson 2Reasoning Matters: What Counts As A Good Reason?Students will discuss what makes a reason a good one. Students will explore the ethics behind scaring someone into agreeing you and if feelings can be a good reason.Week 3Lesson 3Understanding Motivation: Why We Do What We Do?Students will develop an understanding of the reasons we have for our decisions and how our motivations can aid us in understanding others.Week 4Lesson 4Personhood Explored: What Makes A Person A Person?Students will explore what makes a person a person, are only human beings persons? Is AI a person?Week 5Lesson 5Defining Friendship: What Does It Mean To Be A Friend?Through Socratic discussion, students will explore what it truly means to be a good friend and consider different perspectives on the topic. Additionally, students will critically analyze the notion of a 'right' way to think about friendship, examining the complexities of relationships.Week 6Lesson 6Understanding Things: Can Things Show Feelings, Thoughts, & Ideas?Students will explore the idea of feelings. What it means for people to have and show feelings and if things such as buildings and paintings, and books can convey these ideas.Week 7Lesson 7Habit or Custom? Exploring Routines and TraditionsStudents will understand the differences between habits, customs, and traditions. Students will explore whether customs are useful or beneficial to individuals and/or societies.Week 8Lesson 8Using Our Perception to Decipher the WorldPerception is reality. Students will explore how we use our senses to perceive and understand the world around us.Week 9Lesson 9Revealing Assumptions: Distinguishing Between Wants and NeedsStudents will explore wants vs. needs, which comes first-desire or need, wanting vs. doing and develop an understanding of their motivations.Week 10Lesson 10Cause and Effect: Understanding RelationshipsStudents will explore cause and effect. Figure out cause and effect relationships, practice inferring causes, discuss if one cause and effect can produce another, and the differences between causing something and allowing it to happen.Week 11Lesson 11Guilt, Innocence, and IntuitionStudents will explore the concepts of guilt, innocence, and hunches. Students will learn how our intuition can help or hinder deciphering different situations.Week 12Lesson 12The Value of Figuring Things OutStudents will reflect upon what they have learned and if it worthwhile to try to figure things out. Students will understand frames of reference and perspectives and the value of discussing ideas with others.
The following reasoning skills will be developed: Deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, sequential reasoning, analogical reasoning, drawing inferences, coming to conclusions, use of evidence, focused inquiry, making sense of phenomena, and being able to see the "big picture".
I have been a student of philosophy for most of my life. I studied for 4 years with with a student of Matthew Lipman whose teachings this class is based on.
Philosophy by its very nature raises questions. This course will challenge the students to question everything they think they know. This can lead to uncomfortable conversations within a family structure.
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(437)
Greetings and welcome to our classroom adventure, where curiosity takes the reins! I'm Kathy, your guide on this exciting journey of exploration. In our classroom, we embrace The Socratic Method, believing that questions fuel our learning...
Group Class
$300
for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
50 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-8 learners per class
