What is philosophy about?

• Philosophy is the subject that specializes in exploring fundamental questions about the world and our place in it. For example: 

  • What is reality? 

  • What does it mean for me to ‘know’ something? 

  • What is reasoning? 

  • What is a Mind? Does ChatGPT have a mind? Could it be conscious? 

  • Does God exist? 

  • How should I live, and who should decide? 

  • What makes a fair society?

• Philosophical discussion draws on imaginative speculation, scientific evidence, sustained reflection on lived experience, and the different histories, cultural perspectives and texts that shape current thought.

• Philosophy at Ao Tawhiti aims to develop students’ critical thinking skills. Through a range of applied Philosophical topics, students will learn how to assess arguments logically. They will also learn how to construct their own rationally convincing arguments.

• Philosophy pushes students to use reason and logical argument to explore the limits of their understanding and cultural
  perspectives.

• Philosophy develops students’ ability to question and to form rational, plausible arguments in a wide variety of contexts.

• Recommended Prior Learning
  While there are no pre-requisites, we recommend that students have a high level of maturity and an interest in developing their world-view. Students who work best in Philosophy have good writing and verbal ability, and an interest in questioning their beliefs.