Philosophy (S5/6 only)

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is critical thinking. It involves trying to become aware of how our thinking works, and all the things we take for granted. As a course it aims to help us think more clearly about knowledge and morality, and understand how others might attempt to convince us to believe certain things. Sometimes philosophy succeeds in making difficult concepts simple, and sometimes it makes simple concepts difficult.

What skills are developed?

Critical thinking
Analysis
Evaluation
Communication
Problem solving
Self-awareness
Open-mindedness
Creativity

What kind of person does it take?

Someone willing to think and explore different ideas
Someone who does not mind writing and explaining their ideas fully
An interest in morality and what makes something right and wrong
The desire to be precise and distinguish between closely related yet different things

Horizons – where can this subject take you?

Philosophy is a useful subject to have studied for almost any career and for life generally. Many pupils have reported that during interviews for college and university places the fact that they have a qualification in philosophy has been noticed and has impressed the person conducting the interview. This is because critical thinking, the ability to consider strengths and weaknesses of ideas and weigh the costs and benefits of various courses of action, is useful in almost all walks of life, whether you are a lawyer, politician, nurse, farmer, journalist, scientist, or simply a friend or citizen.

Pathways – how can I make progression?