Philosophy is the study of humanity’s most enduring and influential ideas. Students develop an understanding of how these ideas influence human action, thought, existence and knowledge.
Students develop their knowledge and understanding of philosophical ideas, arguments, and methodologies to interrogate what different people think, what they value, what they consider true, and how they engage with others and the world around them. They analyse the purpose of philosophical investigation and develop insights into problem-solving and decision-making across a range of societal and cultural contexts.
Using philosophical inquiry, students develop analytical and critical thinking skills and learn to question and challenge assumptions. The study of philosophy is relevant to young people as they continue to be life-long learners, reflective, creative and informed citizens in the world.
Course Patterns
Philosophy is available as a minor or a major
3.5 units are required for a Major
We investigate and interrogate the nature of knowledge claims, their assumptions, and their foundations. They evaluate claims to knowledge in a variety of academic and popular contexts. Students critically analyse the epistemologies of knowledge claims by applying established epistemological arguments and their own insights and propositions, including logic and First Nations Australian epistemologies.
We explore the nature of existence and reality. They interrogate the philosophical notions of existence and reality by drawing on philosophies from a range of
traditions, including Metaphysics. Students examine the assumption of their own existence, and that of others, and apply their experience of this existence to
evaluate claims about the fundamental nature of how they exist and the reality that they exist in, including notions of origin, self, transformation, and death.
We explore the nature of judgment and value. They evaluate these philosophies in relation to universal and human dilemmas and consider the significance and effects of their conclusions. They critically analyse the validity of individual and collective judgements around value.
Students investigate issues in the world, applying significant philosophical theories and methods to better understand the beliefs, judgments, and thinking of the actors involved and to help construct their own robust, well-informed beliefs. Students relate the issues to their own lived experience to find parallels and give insights into their own conduct, assumptions and thinking.
An Independent Study unit is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. This unit can be proposed by an individual student and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for the unit must meet the course goals and content descriptions. Available to individual Year 12 students.