Senior Philosophy & Reason

Philosophy & Reason provides opportunities for students to investigate philosophical ideas that have shaped and continue to influence contemporary society, including what it means to be human, how we understand the role of reason in our individual and collective lives and how we think about and care for each other and the world around us. Students recognise the relevance of various philosophies to different political, ethical, religious and scientific positions.

Students learn to understand and use reasoning to examine and analyse classical and contemporary ideas and issues, make rational arguments, espouse viewpoints and engage in informed discourse. They analyse arguments from a variety of sources and contexts, formalise arguments and choose appropriate techniques of reasoning to solve problems.

Students develop skills essential to informed participation in the 21st century, such as analysis, evaluation and justification, and an appreciation of the values of inquiry such as precision, accuracy, clarity and credibility and collaboration and communication.

Pathways

A course of study in Philosophy & Reason can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of business, communication, ethics, journalism, law, politics, professional writing, psychology, science research and teaching.

Objectives

By the conclusion of the course of study, students will:

• define and use terminology
• explain concepts, methods, principles and theories
• interpret and analyse arguments, ideas and information
• organise and synthesise ideas and information to construct arguments
• evaluate claims and arguments inherent in theories, views and ideas
• create responses that communicate meaning to suit purpose.

Unit Structure & Assessment