Table of Contents
๐ IBDP Philosophy (SL and HL) – Comprehensive Course Summary
๐ Subject Overview
IBDP Philosophy explores profound questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, and reason. The course encourages students to critically analyze philosophical texts, construct logical arguments, and reflect thoughtfully on ethical and metaphysical issues.
๐ Key Features
๐ง Analytical Thinking: Emphasizes evaluating complex ideas and building reasoned arguments.
๐ Textual Interpretation: In-depth study of philosophical writings across diverse traditions and historical periods.
โ๏ธ Ethical Debates: Active engagement with contemporary moral and ethical dilemmas.
๐ฏ Aims and Objectives
Conceptual Understanding: Grasp fundamental philosophical concepts, theories, and arguments.
Critical Evaluation: Analyze and critically evaluate various philosophical perspectives.
Logical Argumentation: Develop coherent arguments grounded in logical reasoning.
Appreciation of Diversity: Cultivate appreciation for diverse philosophical traditions.
๐ Course Structure
Standard Level (SL)
Core studies:
Fundamental philosophical themes (e.g., "What is a human being?")
Ethical frameworks
Analysis of philosophical texts
Higher Level (HL)
Includes all SL content plus:
Specialized study of philosophical thought
Independent philosophical research
Philosophical debate and advanced investigative skills
๐ Key Topics Explored
๐ง Human Nature: Concepts of free will, consciousness, and personal identity.
๐ฑ Ethics: Examination of morality and ethical decision-making processes.
๐งฉ Epistemology: Exploration of theories related to knowledge, belief, and truth.
๐ Assessment Structure
๐ Paper 1 (SL & HL 40%): Analytical essay addressing core philosophical questions and themes.
๐ Paper 2 (SL 30%, HL 20%): Philosophical analysis of unseen texts.
๐ Paper 3 (HL Only, 20%): Advanced analysis of prescribed philosophical topics.
๐๏ธ Internal Assessment (IA, SL 30%, HL 20%): Philosophical exploration of a chosen real-world issue.
๐ ๏ธ Key Skills Developed
๐ Critical Reasoning: Evaluating arguments for logical soundness and coherence.
๐ Textual Analysis: Interpreting philosophical texts with depth and accuracy.
๐ฌ Debate and Discourse: Crafting and presenting well-structured philosophical arguments.
๐ Example Philosophical Texts
๐ Meditations by René Descartes: Key insights into epistemology, questioning the foundations of knowledge.
๐๏ธ The Republic by Plato: Examination of justice, political systems, and ideal societies.
๐ Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle: Exploration of virtue ethics and human flourishing (eudaimonia).
๐ SL vs HL Differences
๐ HL Essay: Extended research paper focusing on detailed philosophical investigation.
๐ Additional Paper (HL): Further in-depth analysis of specialized philosophical topics.
๐ Global Issues Explored
โ๏ธ Justice and Fairness: Philosophical debates on economic inequality, judicial fairness, and social justice theories.
๐ฟ Environmental Ethics: Human responsibility towards environmental sustainability, impacts on ecosystems, and rights of nature.
๐ Career and Academic Relevance
Career Opportunities
Law
Academia
Ethics Consulting
Public Policy
Journalism
Academic Pathways
Philosophy
Political Theory
Theology
Cognitive Science
โ Summary
IBDP Philosophy fosters critical reasoning, analytical thinking, and ethical reflection, equipping students to thoughtfully engage with complex global and societal issues, preparing them for diverse career paths and academic pursuits.
