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Philosophy for Teens (B): {12 Week Semester} I Think Therefore I Am

Learners will explore logic, develop their critical thinking skills, analyze arguments and concepts, and enhance their problem solving skills.
Kathy Wilder
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(451)
Rising Star
Class
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What's included

12 live meetings
10 in-class hours
Mastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Assessments are based on class participation and the student's ability to demonstrate their understanding of the topics discussed.
Letter Grade
included

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 impose their ideas, opinions, or perceptions.  Instead the teacher facilitates the discussion, drawing out the student's ideas into our non-judgmental environment of trust and respect for one another. This method empowers the student and allows them to gain confidence in their ideas and sharing them.

Students will be introduced to the different ideas through the use of the book 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙞𝙧'𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 by Matthew Lipman. The teacher will share relevant passages during class. No prior reading necessary.

Sample class:
Introductions/Warm up questions, such as: Think of something you are glad happened. Can you be happy and sad at the same time? Think a funny thought.
Discussion of the weeks story.
Round table discussion of the story of the day facilitated by the teacher.
Wrap up/Goodbye

December 3, 2024: Rights Explored: Understanding Rights
December 10, 2024: Reasoning Matters: What Counts As A Good Reason?
December 17, 2024: Understanding Motivation: Why We Do What We Do?
January 7, 2025: Personhood Explored: What Makes A Person A Person?
January 14, 2025: Defining Friendship: What Does It Mean To Be A Friend?
January 21, 2025: Understanding Things: Can Things Show Feelings, Thoughts, & Ideas?
January 28, 2025: Habit or Custom? Exploring Routines and Traditions
February 4, 2025: Using Our Perception to Decipher the World
February 11, 2025: Revealing Assumptions: Distinguishing Between Wants and Needs
February 18, 2025: Cause and Effect: Understanding Relationships
February 25, 2025: Guilt, Innocence, and Intuition
March 4, 2025: The Value of Figuring Things Out

The methodology of this course is based upon the teachings of Matt Lipman.

I follow Outschool's policy on limited refunds for multiday classes: Full refund within 24 hours of purchase or up to a week in advance of the class. Thank you for your understanding. 

Outschool Attendance Policy: If your learner misses a class meeting, you are not entitled to a refund.

Class Cancellation: Please note that per Outschool policy, if there are 0 students after the first 10 minutes of the class, the class will be canceled for that day. The live meetings are scheduled for 50 minutes; however, depending upon the number of students and the amount of participation from the class, some live meetings may be shorter than 50 minutes.  If the teacher needs to cancel class a makeup class will be assigned.
Learning Goals
The following reasoning skills will be developed:	
• Deductive, inductive, sequential, and analogical reasoning • drawing inferences • coming to conclusions •use of evidence • focused inquiry • being able to see the "big picture".
learning goal

Syllabus

12 Lessons
over 12 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Rights Explored: Understanding Rights
 Students will explore rights. What is a right? Do children have rights? What are those rights? 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Reasoning 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. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Understanding 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. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Personhood 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? 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
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.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2019
4.9
451reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from The School of Visual Arts
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.

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Live Group Course
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$25

weekly or $300 for 12 classes
1x per week, 12 weeks
50 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-8 learners per class

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