At a glance
A course where students learn to think deeply about big questions, like what is true, what is real, and what is right or fair. Students practise respectful discussion and learn how to build strong arguments using evidence and clear reasoning.
This course is a good choice for students who:
- like debating ideas and asking “why?”
- want strong skills in reasoning, writing and discussion
- enjoy exploring different viewpoints and challenging assumptions
About this course
Philosophy helps students reflect on themselves and the world. Students learn how to question assumptions, analyse arguments, and communicate ideas clearly and respectfully. They build skills in logic, analysing texts, and having thoughtful dialogue with others. Assessment usually includes tasks like essays, debates, presentations and inquiry projects.
Pathways
This course can support pathways into areas such as:
- law, politics and public service
- psychology, education and social sciences
- writing, communications and research pathways
- any pathway that values critical thinking and clear communication
Units in this course
Students complete 2 units for a Minor or 4 units for a Major.
Knowledge and Knowing
This unit is about how we know what we know, and how to judge whether a claim is reliable.
Students will:
- test knowledge claims from everyday life and academic settings (for example news, social media, science, memory)
- use logic and evidence to build and explain a clear position
Existence and Reality
This unit is about what it means to exist and what “reality” might be.
Students will:
- explore different views about reality, perception and the self
- use philosophical ideas to question assumptions and explain conclusions clearly
Judgement and Value
This unit is about how people make judgements about what is right, wrong, fair or beautiful.
Students will:
- explore ethical questions and how different value systems lead to different choices
- use reasoning and evidence to justify a viewpoint about real dilemmas
Philosophy in the World
This unit is about using philosophy to understand real issues in the world (like technology, war, climate, rights or social media).
Students will:
- apply philosophical theories and methods to analyse a real-world issue
- connect ideas to lived experience and propose informed, well-reasoned responses