Philosophy and Reason

Philosophy & Reason combines the discipline of philosophy with the associated skills of critical reasoning. This subject allows students to recognise the relevance of various philosophies to different political, ethical, religious and scientific positions. It also allows them to realise that decisions in these areas are the result of the acceptance of certain ideas and specific modes of reasoning. In addition, critical reasoning and logic provide knowledge, skills and understanding so students are able to engage with, examine and analyse classical and contemporary ideas and issues. This subject enables students to make rational arguments, espouse viewpoints and engage in informed discourse. In Philosophy & Reason, students learn to understand and use reasoning to develop coherent world-views and to reflect upon the nature of their own decisions as well as their responses to the views of others.

Through the study of Philosophy & Reason, students collaboratively investigate philosophical ideas that have shaped and continue to influence contemporary society. These ideas include 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 analyse arguments from a variety of sources and contexts as they develop an understanding of what constitutes effective reasoning. They formalise arguments and choose appropriate techniques of reasoning to attempt to solve problems. The collaborative nature of philosophical inquiry is an essential component for students to understand and develop norms of effective thinking and to value and seek a range of ideas beyond their own.

A course of study in Philosophy & Reason specifically focuses on the development of transferable thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation and justification, and an appreciation of the values of inquiry such as precision, accuracy, clarity and credibility; students are thus well prepared for post-school participation in a wide range of fields. Students learn to value plurality in terms of perspectives and world-views as a necessary condition for human progress. Studying Philosophy & Reason provides students with the skills of collaboration and communication that are essential components of informed participation in the 21st century.

• have an interest in a range of contemporary social issues
• like to argue their opinions about different topics
• want to learn about human nature
• enjoy discussing solutions to complex problems thinking in abstract ways.
  

Year 9 - Minimum of C Standard in Core English
Year 10 - Minimum of C Standard in Core English 

• Compulsory BYOD
• Large scrapbook
• Blue, black and red pens, and highlighters