Core theme: Being Human

One of the reasons we study philosophy is to search for a better understanding of ourselves, both as individuals and as members of our communities, and this search is at the heart of this element of the course. This compulsory theme for both SL and HL explores the fundamental question of what it is to be human. This exploration takes place through areas of study such as identity, freedom, mind and body, and human nature. The core theme also provides an opportunity for students to engage with interpretations of the human condition from diverse world perspectives. These perspectives ask different questions, for example: Do we have such a thing as an enduring Self? What specific meaning does our consciousness of being mortal give to our life? Is there such a thing as an inherent Human Nature?

Optional themes

The purpose of the optional themes is to provide students with an opportunity to explore specific areas of philosophy in-depth. Some of the optional themes on offer are: Ethics, Philosophy and Contemporary Society, Philosophy of Religion, Political Philosophy

Students at HL study two optional themes, and students at SL study one optional theme from this list. Themes are selected based on teacher expertise, student interest and availability of resources

Prescribed text 

This is an opportunity for students to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of a primary philosophical text. The prescribed list of texts includes: The Republic by Plato, The Ethics of Authenticity by Charles Taylor, and The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer. 

HL extension 

HL students are required to explore the nature of philosophical activity through an analysis of an unseen extract. This aspect of the course focuses on the fundamental question of what philosophy is, and how we do it.

For Philosophy HL syllabus, click here.

For Philosophy SL syllabus, click here.

Students learn to:

• develop an intellectually independent and creative way of thinking

• analyse arguments to critically understand their assumptions, reasoning and implications

• formulate arguments in a rational and logical way

• express ideas clearly and coherently, and use language appropriate to philosophy

• examine critically their own experience and their ideological and cultural biases

External assessment – 80% (HL) 75% (SL)

• paper 1: core theme and optional themes (2 hours 30 minutes/1 hour 45 minutes)

• paper 2: prescribed text (1 hour)

• paper 3: analysis of unseen text (1 hour 15 minutes, HL only)

Internal assessment – 20% (HL), 25% (SL)

Recent studies by employer organisations, numerous national governments and employment agencies have shown that philosophy as a subject is exceptionally well regarded by universities and employers given the skills and perspectives it actively encourages. The focus of contemporary education is more and more about providing foundational and life-long learning skills in preparation for the dynamic nature of the employment market, and as such philosophy is an ideal subject. It is also personally satisfying as it broadens the mind and deepens understanding while being beneficial for academic performance across the curriculum.

The issues covered in the core theme, ‘What is a Human Being?’ and the ethics and political philosophy themes have direct relevance to careers in law, medicine, politics, business, education, non-government organisations, sciences, and even computer sciences.