IBDP Philosophy

Group 3 | Philosophy

Important Note: 

At standard level, this course can be anticipated (completed in the first year of your IB Diploma)

What will I learn?

Philosophy is a systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinating and challenging questions, such as the following.

• What is it to be human?
• Could a machine ever be conscious?
• Do we have free will?
• What ethical obligations, if any, do we have to non-human animals?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• What social change is necessary to achieve gender equality?
• When is it justifiable to break the laws of a society?

These abstract questions arise out of our everyday experiences, and philosophical tools such as critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis, and construction of arguments provide the means of addressing such questions. The practice of philosophy deepens and clarifies our understanding of these questions, as well as our ability to formulate possible responses.

Studying philosophy provides an opportunity for students to engage with some of the world’s most interesting and influential thinkers. It also develops highly transferable skills such as the ability to formulate arguments clearly, to make reasoned judgments and to evaluate highly complex and multifaceted issues. The emphasis of the Diploma Programme philosophy course is on “doing philosophy”, that is, on actively engaging students in philosophical activity. The course is focused on stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and encouraging them to examine both their own perspectives and those of others.

Philosophy students are challenged to develop their own philosophical voice and to grow into independent thinkers. They develop their skills through the study of philosophical themes and the close reading of a philosophical text. They also learn to apply their philosophical knowledge and skills to real-life situations and to explore how non-philosophical material can be treated in a philosophical way. HL students also engage in a deeper exploration of the nature of philosophy itself. 

Course Structure (HL)

• Core Theme: Being Human
• Two Optional Themes: Political Philosophy & Ethics
• Detailed Text Study
• HL Extension: Reflection on Philosophical Activity

Course Structure (SL)

• Core Theme: Being Human
• One Optional Theme: Political Philosophy OR Ethics
• Detailed Text Study

Why should I consider this course?

Philosophy enables students to think about important contemporary issues in a critical way. If you care about social justice, democracy, ecology, gender politics, animal rights, international obligations, science, technology, disability or imprisonment, then study philosophy will help you to think deeply about the complexities inherent in these issues.

Assessment

What Skills does this course provide?

The major value of philosophy is that it teaches not what to think, but how to think. The skills developed through philosophy are the ability to question, analyse and evaluate one’s own beliefs and those of others. It encourages critical and creative problem solving through open-minded intellectual inquiry. This also helps students to foster empathy for and understanding of those who may disagree with them.

What Pathway Options does this course provide?

Although being a philosopher is a career that can be pursued in its own right, the skills developed through studying philosophy tend to make individuals more thoughtful, effective and successful participants in any field. 

For example, this linked article is an account of how studying philosophy helped a wind-turbine engineer reach the peak of her field.

Studying philosophy is of particular value to those considering considering careers in the sciences, law, advocacy, politics, journalism, medicine, education, the arts and any other area requiring skills of analysis and critical evaluation.

See this graphic displaying a range of celebrities and influential people with philosophy degrees.