Deep Thinkers - Weekly Philosophy and Critical Thinking Discussion
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Explore the world of ideas and challenge your perceptions in 'Deep Thinkers,' a unique online philosophy class designed specifically for young minds aged 9-13. This isn't your typical classroom experience; here, we delve into life's biggest questions and the mysteries of existence in a fun, interactive, and engaging manner. Through engaging discussions and thought-provoking exercises, students will journey through a diverse range of philosophical concepts, from understanding the abstract concept of time to discussing human nature and even delving into fascinating ideas like simulation theory. But don't be intimidated by these 'big' topics. Each idea is broken down and presented in a way that's both accessible and relevant to our students' experiences. 'Deep Thinkers' is the ideal environment for children who already show signs of pondering life's deeper meanings. However, it's also a great starting point for those new to philosophical thinking. Here, we strongly believe there are no 'wrong' or 'right' answers, but only opportunities to learn, explore, and grow as budding philosophers. In this class, we don't just teach philosophy; we encourage students to become philosophers, fostering their curiosity, critical thinking skills, empathy, and open-mindedness. With these tools, they'll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the world and approach differing viewpoints with understanding and respect. Each week will we study a particular Philosophical Topic (Values, Morals, Political Philosophy, Spiritual Philosophy, Space, the Universe etc.) , with an emphasis on Philosophical Ideas from around the world: Examples include: Utilitarianism, Zen Buddhism, Ubuntu, Plato's Cave and many more. This class will include: 1. Historical and Cultural context of the Philosophy Idea in question. 2. Thorough explanation of the weeks concept. 3. Discussion of the concept 4. Discussion of various Philosophical view points of the topic in question 5. Thorough explanation and development of the student's own Philosophical view points! ***Please note: Some topics we discuss faster than others, so some topics may last for two or three weeks, and others, only one week. I ensure that a student is able to start class and join in! But if you would like your student to start when a new topic begins, please message me ahead of time and I will ensure this occurs.*** Below is a rough guide to the year of 20245, vacation dates & topics may be subject to change! Week 49: December 02, 2024 - Philosophy of Nature Week 50: December 09, 2024 - Philosophy of Nature Week 51: December 16, 2024 - Philosophy of Nature Week 52: December 23, 2024 - Vacation Week 1: January 06, 2025 - Philosophy of Power Week 2: January 13, 2025 - Philosophy of Power Week 3: January 20, 2025 - Philosophy of Power Week 4: January 27, 2025 - Philosophy of Truth Week 5: February 03, 2025 - Philosophy of Truth Week 6: February 10, 2025 - Philosophy of Truth Week 7: February 17, 2025 - Philosophy of Love Week 8: February 24, 2025 - Philosophy of Love Week 9: March 03, 2025 - Philosophy of Love Week 10: March 10, 2025 - Philosophy of the Future, Simulation theory and AI Week 11: March 17, 2025 - Philosophy of the Future, Simulation theory and AI Week 12: March 24, 2025 - Philosophy of the Future, Simulation theory and AI Week 13: March 31, 2025 - Philosophy of Friendship Week 14: April 07, 2025 - Philosophy of Friendship Week 15: April 14, 2025 - Philosophy of Friendship Week 16: April 21, 2025 - Philosophy of Courage Week 17: April 28, 2025 - Philosophy of Courage Week 18: May 05, 2025 - Philosophy of Responsibility Week 19: May 12, 2025 - Philosophy of Responsibility Week 20: May 19, 2025 - Philosophy of Responsibility Week 21: May 26, 2025 - Philosophy of Aesthetics Week 22: June 02, 2025 - Philosophy of Aesthetics Week 23: June 09, 2025 - Philosophy of Aesthetics Week 24: June 16, 2025 - Philosophy of Compassion Week 25: June 23, 2025 - Philosophy of Compassion Week 26: June 30, 2025 - Philosophy of Compassion Week 27: July 07, 2025 - Philosophy of Dreaming - Ancients, Aristotle, Freud and Jung Week 28: July 14, 2025 - Philosophy of Dreaming - Ancients, Aristotle, Freud and Jung Week 29: July 21, 2025 - Philosophy of Dreaming - Ancients, Aristotle, Freud and Jung Week 30: July 28, 2025 - Philosophy of Fun Week 31: August 04, 2025 - Philosophy of Fun Week 32: August 11, 2025 - Philosophy of Fun Week 33: August 18, 2025 - Vacation Week Week 34: August 25, 2025 - Vacation Week Week 35: September 01, 2025 - Vacation Week Week 36: September 08, 2025 - Philosophy of Human-ness - Kiekegard and Descartes Week 37: September 15, 2025 - Philosophy of Human-ness - Kiekegard and Descartes Week 38: September 22, 2025 - Philosophy of Human-ness - Kiekegard and Descartes Week 39: September 29, 2025 - Philosophy of Philosophy - Plato and Socrates Week 40: October 06, 2025 - Philosophy of Philosophy - Plato and Socrates Week 41: October 13, 2025 - Philosophy of Philosophy - Plato and Socrates Week 42: October 20, 2025 - Philosophy of Time - Physics, Augustine and Watts Week 43: October 27, 2025 - Philosophy of Time - Physics, Augustine and Watts Week 44: November 03, 2025 - Philosophy of Time - Physics, Augustine and Watts Week 45: November 10, 2025 - Philosophy of Happiness - Beck and Epicurus Week 46: November 17, 2025 - Philosophy of Happiness - Beck and Epicurus Week 47: November 24, 2025 - Philosophy of Happiness - Beck and Epicurus Week 48: December 01, 2025 - Philosophy of Nature - Lao Tzu and Spinoza Week 49: December 08, 2025 - Philosophy of Nature - Lao Tzu and Spinoza Week 50: December 15, 2025 - Philosophy of Nature - Lao Tzu and Spinoza Week 51: December 22, 2025 - Vacation Week Week 52: December 29, 2025 - Vacation Week This class is great for learning about other cultures, and history, and will develop thinking skills. In all my classes I place a large emphasis on fun, and valuing students interpretation of the subject, so we will do a lot of discussion. Great for kids who are already showing signs of being deep thinkers.
Learning Goals
In this class, we don't just teach philosophy; we encourage students to become philosophers, fostering their curiosity, critical thinking skills, empathy, and open-mindedness. With these tools, they'll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the world and approach differing viewpoints with understanding and respect.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Philosophy deals with the world, and as such it must deal with worldly issues. Violence, would not be dealt with directly but perhaps would be suggested in questions such as 'Is it right to harm a few to save the many'. When considering Political Philosophy, current politics will not be a topic, however we may spend time thinking about how leaders should lead, or what is fair? Or look at theoretical Political Philosophers such as Lao Tzu, while staying away from any politics of the day.
This class promotes equality and diversity for all.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Little Big Minds - Marietta Mcarthy
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Psychology from Regent's University, UK
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Sheffield, UK
- I have a BA in History and Philosophy. After realizing that young students could comprehend and deal with the same theories I was learning at a University Level I began tutoring students from ages 7-18 in Philosophy, and realized the huge impact it could have not only academically, but how it could change their lives.
- Tutoring 16-18 year olds for their Philosophy A-Levels in the UK.
- The one complaint I had from my University Philosophy experience was the lack of breadth in the types of Philosophers and Philosophies studied. Philosophy is a part of every culture around the world, and each has their own way of solving these questions, so we will look at a variety of perspectives with class. I have been a Mental Health Mentor working with a diverse range of students, during this time I made sure to expand my knowledge of other cultures, and I am also a POC myself, so ensure the studying of other cultures is done accurately and respectfully.
- I spent 6 years as a Nanny to a variety of different age children, some were home schooled and I would be responsible for their lessons. I enjoyed teaching Philosophy immensely as children are natural Philosophers. References of teaching experience are available if requested!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 302 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
1-8 learners per class