12 Philosophy (12PHI)
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Nadene Brouwer, Ivan Andrews.
12 Philosophy
This is a course in political and ethical philosophy, built around Social Studies achievement standards. Come and join for wide ranging discussions, a space aiming to foster curiosity, and an approach to philosophy that it very grounded in the real world.
Course Components
- Explore ethical decision-making
- Gain an understanding of some key ideologies, and ideas about what the world should look like
- Develop the ability to connect abstract ideas with their real world consequences.
- Apply skills of philosophical inquiry
- Organise ideas into reasoned arguments
Course Overview
Term 1
A.S. 91280 v2 Social Studies 2.2 - Conduct a reflective social inquiry 5 credits.
This will be on a topic in Political Philosophy, exploring ideological perspectives on freedom, justice, and power.
Past topics have Included:
2019 Police withdrawal from Aukland Pride, exploring Liberalism and Marxism.
2006 Waihpai Spy base raid, exploring perspectives on our moral responsibility to follow laws.
Term 2
A.S. 91283 v2 Social Studies 2.5 - Describe a social action that enables communities and/or nations to meet responsibilities and exercise rights, 4 credits.
In this unit on ethics, we will explore the utilitarian world view of the Effective Altruism movement, and how it is criticised.
Term 3
A.S. 91282 v2 Social Studies 2.4 - Describe personal involvement in a social action related to rights and responsibilities, 5 credits.
Different students will wish to plan different Social Actions, and there is some room to work on this in groups. Students will have support in class to plan and undertake a social action that interests them, and is of a manageable scale and level of ambition. Writing a letter to a local council or organisation is a good lower commitment option for this project. Higher commitment possibilities are endless.
Students who wish to attempt the exam at the end of the year must attend the practice exam.
Term 4
Optional Exam in November, 4 credits
A.S. 91281 v2 Social Studies 2.3 - Describe how cultural conflict(s) can be addressed.
This is a resource-based exam for which substantial preparation is required.
Recommended Prior Learning
Entry Requirements
There is a substantial writing component to this course
Assessment Information
Possible CreditsExternal - 4 credits (optional)
Internal - 14 credits
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.2 - Conduct a reflective social inquiry
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.3 - Describe how cultural conflict(s) can be addressed
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.4 - Describe personal involvement in a social action related to rights and responsibilities
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.5 - Describe a social action that enables communities and/or nations to meet responsibilities and exercise rights