Introduction

The aim of the IBDP Philosophy course at HL and SL is to engage students in philosophical activity, enabling them to:

• Develop an inquiring and intellectually curious way of thinking
• Formulate arguments in a sound and purposeful way
• Examine critically their own experiences and their ideological and cultural perspectives
• Appreciate the diversity of approaches within philosophical thinking
• Apply their philosophical knowledge and skills to the world around them

Career and Interest Pathways

Philosophy lays the groundwork for developing the mind and is the essential foundation of any intellectual activity. Studying philosophy supports almost any career as it helps to:

• Develop a deep foundation of your own views and those of others
• Read and internalize a range of source materials
• Analyze and evaluate complex philosophical thoughts and ideas
• Produce a reasoned conclusion and justify arguments

The emphasis is on doing philosophy and thinking about things for yourself, with help from philosophers of the past.

Assessment

Your semester grade will consist of ongoing assessments, detailed below:

IBO Assessment Papers

• Paper 1: Extended response on the core theme and two thematic essay questions (2h 30m, 75 marks, 40%)
• Paper 2: Extended response on the prescribed text (1h, 25 marks, 20%)
• Paper 3 (HL Only): Response to an 800-word unseen philosophical text discussing a contemporary issue (1h, 25 marks, 20%)
• Internal Assessment: 2,000-word philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus (20%)

Resources

• Philosophy: Being Human (course companion), Nancy Le Nezet, Guy Williams, Chris White, Daniel Lee
• Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes, translated by John Veitch (1901)

Advanced Support

• You may elect to combine your research in Philosophy with other subjects and more on a more advanced project. Philosophical and ethical issues are very relevant to modern and future-ready world with generative AI and autonomous vehicles, smart houses and intelligent medicine, and many more applications for you to explore with a philosophical viewpoint.
• Philosophy can be integrated into programmes like the Architecture Studio programme where you can explore the design of building form, space and light to reflect different philosophical thought.
• Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) – students can apply to complete an internship in applied philosophy or research institutes. The programme can take from 3 to 6 months part-time involving working on research or an industry project for 1 – 3 hours per week. Our EdFutures team will support the learning and programme with additional connections to experts and advanced learning programmes.