Stage 2 Philosophy

Length: Full Year

Recommended background: There is no pre-requisite for Stage 2 Philosophy, but successful completion of a semester of Stage 1 Philosophy is encouraged to build upon the skills and concepts acquired

Content:

Philosophy involves the rational investigation of questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics, to which there are no simple answers. Consequently, philosophical problems tend to provoke disagreement and foster a variety of views and theories about the nature of the world and what ought to be done. Investigation of these problems requires skills of critical reasoning, developed through an understanding of reasoning and the foundations of argument analysis.

Philosophy promotes respect for intellectual integrity as a human value and develops students’ skills to engage in philosophical argument. Students build their capacity to be creative and independent critical thinkers who can articulate and justify philosophical positions and argue reasoned action.

Further information regarding stage 2 Philosophy can be accessed on the SACE website.

Assessment:

The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 Philosophy:

School Assessment (70%):

• Assessment Type 1: Argument Analysis (25%)
• Assessment Type 2: Issues Analysis (45%)

External Assessment (30%):

• Assessment Type 3: Issues Study (30%).

Students should provide evidence of their learning through six assessments, including the external assessment component. Students undertake:

• two argument analysis assessments
• three issues analysis assessments (one for each key area)
• one issues study