Overview

Course Description (from the 2016 Course Guide)

Philosophy is a systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinating and challenging questions, such as the following:

• What is it to be human?
• Do we have free will?
• What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong?

These abstract questions arise out of our everyday experiences, and philosophical tools such as critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis, and construction of arguments provide the means of addressing such questions. The practice of philosophy deepens and clarifies our understanding of these questions, as well as our ability to formulate possible responses.

Studying philosophy provides an opportunity for students to engage with some of the world’s most interesting and influential thinkers. It also develops highly transferable skills such as the ability to formulate arguments clearly, to make reasoned judgments and to evaluate highly complex and multifaceted issues. The emphasis of the Diploma Programme philosophy course is on “doing philosophy”, that is, on actively engaging students in philosophical activity. The course is focused on stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and encouraging them to examine both their own perspectives and those of others.

"Doing philosophy"

The first chapter of the textbook likens the job of a philosopher to that of a plumber; the goal is to investigate the complex network of ideas and concepts that underlie our lives in the same way a plumber must dig below the surface to evaluate and fix the pipes in our homes. One of the keys to this course (per the subject guide) is that you are expected to “do” philosophy. It’s not just about learning the names and dates of famous (and mostly dead) people. You will learn those things in order to understand where philosophy has come from, but you will take it from there and learn to grapple with the big questions yourself. Philosophy is more than a subject to be learned; it is a discipline to practice.