Does this subject contribute to an ATAR? Yes (General Subject)
How many credits does this subject contribute towards QCE? 4
What is Philosophy and Reason?
Philosophy & Reason combines the discipline of philosophy with the associated skills of critical reasoning. The study of philosophy 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. The study of philosophy 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.
What makes a student suited to Philosophy and Reason?
Students who achieve success in Ancient History are those who:
Have an interest in formalising arguments and reasoning to attempt to solve problems through a collaborative approach, as well as an appreciation to develop their own reasoning and a curiosity for seeking a range of ideas beyond their own.
What prerequisites must students meet in order to take this subject?
Minimum B Standard for Core English
What is the cost of this subject?
• Nil
What materials or equipment do I need for this subject?
• A4 Notebook for record keeping of class notes and practice of skills
• Year 10 - BYOD preferred, as this subject includes extensive research tasks
• Year 11 - compulsory BYOD as this subject includes extensive research tasks
What do students study in this subject and how are they assessed?
| | | Unit Overviews | Assessment |
| Year 10 | Semester 1
| Introduction to Philosphy
Topic 1: Understanding modern symbolic language Topic 2: Philosophy of mind | Summative internal assessment 1:
• Examination: Summative internal assessment 2:
• Investigation |
| | Semester 2 | Introduction to moral philosophy Topic 1 : Ethical theories Topic 2: Relevance of philosophy to modern society | Summative internal assessment 3:
• Examination
Summative internal assessment 4:
• Investigation |
| Year 11 | Unit 1 | Fundamentals of reason Topic 1: Inductive and deductive reasoning Topic 2: Assessing a truth claim | Formative internal assessment 1:
• Examination: Formative internal assessment 2:
• Extended response |
| Unit 2 | Reason in Philosophy Topic 1: Philosophy of religion Topic 2: Philosophy of science | Formative internal assessment 3:
• Examination Formative
internal
assessment 4:
• Extended response |
| Year 12 | Unit 3 | Moral Philosophy and schools of thought Topic 1: Moral philosophy Topic 2: Philosophical schools of thought | Summative internal assessment 1 (IA1): 25%
• Examination Summative internal assessment 2 (IA2): 25%
• Extended response |
| | Unit 4 | Social and Political philosophy Topic 1: Rights Topic 2: Political philosophy | Summative internal assessment 3 (IA3): 25%
• Extended response
Summative external assessment (EA): 25%
• Examination
|