HZT4U – PHILOSOPHY QUESTIONS AND THEORIES – GRADE 12

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

This course enables students to acquire an understanding of the nature of philosophy and philosophical reasoning skills and to develop and apply their knowledge and skills while exploring specialized branches of philosophy (the course will cover at least three of the following branches: metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of science, social and political philosophy, aesthetics).∗ Students will develop critical thinking and philosophical reasoning skills as they formulate and evaluate arguments related to a variety of philosophical questions and theories. They will also develop research and inquiry skills related to the study and practice of philosophy.

The course will consist of two mandatory strands – A: Research and Inquiry Skills, and B: Philosophical Foundations – and at least three strands covering specialized branches of philosophy, to be selected from strands C through H in the manner specified below. The knowledge and skills reflected in the mandatory strands are to be developed and applied in the context of the specialized branch strands.

As shown in the accompanying figure, the course will cover:

• At least two of strands C–E (Core Topics) – Metaphysics, Ethics, Epistemology; and
• At least one of strands F–H (Supplementary Topics) – Philosophy of Science, Social and Political Philosophy, Aesthetics Teachers choose the strands that will be included in the course based on their own strengths and the interests of their students.

 A. RESEARCH AND INQUIRY SKILLS∗ OVERALL EXPECTATIONS Throughout this course, students will:

A1. Exploring: explore topics related to philosophy and formulate questions to guide their research.

A2. Investigating: create research plans and locate and select information relevant to their chosen topics, using appropriate philosophical research and inquiry methods.

A3. Processing Information: assess, record, analyse, and synthesize information gathered through research and inquiry.

A4. Communicating and Reflecting: communicate the results of their research and inquiry clearly and effectively, and reflect on and evaluate their research, inquiry, and communication skills.

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS Grade 12, University Preparation OVERALL EXPECTATIONS Throughout this course, students will:

B1. The Nature of Philosophy: demonstrate an understanding of the main areas of philosophy, periods of philosophical development, and the differences between philosophy and other areas of inquiry.

B2. Philosophical Reasoning: demonstrate an understanding of philosophical reasoning and critical thinking skills, including skills required to identify and avoid common fallacies of reasoning, and demonstrate the ability to apply these skills in various contexts.