Arguments and Philosophical Reasoning
An introduction to argumentation that uses comedic skits from Monty Python to support understanding the components of an argument and how to evaluate an argument.
Topic: reasoning
Logic Charades
High school logic lesson in which students identify the premises and conclusions of arguments. Then they creatively enact their own deductive arguments.
Convince your Teacher/Principal
Introduction What is an argument? An argument consists of a set of reasons that are given with the intention of persuading someone else that a particular action or idea is right or wrong, good or bad, desirable or undesirable, etc. It is a method of trying to convince another person (or persons) that your position … Convince your Teacher/Principal
Activity: Keep the Question Going
This game involves students generating questions collaboratively. The exercise runs easily for about ten minutes and can go for a half hour or more with discussion. It is often a good exercise to use early in the year, as it helps students listen to each other and gets them thinking about what makes a question … Activity: Keep the Question Going
What’s Your Reason? Game
A philosophy lesson plan that teaches middle school or primary school students the basics of giving reasons to support a claim.
Different Perspectives Game
One of the important things that the study of philosophy teaches us is how to examine the world from a variety of different perspectives. When we read and study the writings of classic and contemporary philosophers, we are given new ways of looking at the world that broaden our own perspectives on reality. Consequently, it’s … Different Perspectives Game
Four Ethical Dilemmas
Four Ethical Dilemmas Lying: A girl is taken to a carnival by her dad. It is her tenth birthday and he’s promised her that she can choose any 5 rides. But as they approach the gate, he discovers that he’s forgotten his wallet. This is the last day of the carnival and it’s too far … Four Ethical Dilemmas
The Demarcation Problem and Falsifiability
One of the practical consequences of the Scientific Revolution was a suggestion that one should only believe things that are both true and justified. Eventually, there was even the proposal by mathematician William Clifford that it is morally wrong to believe things without good justification. While early thinkers suggested we need to justify all of … The Demarcation Problem and Falsifiability
The Argument from Design for the Existence of God
One of the most plausible arguments for the existence of God is the argument from design. This argument proceeds by pointing out how all things in the world seem fitted to one another, something that is also true of all the elements of each organism. It then points out that, when we find design in … The Argument from Design for the Existence of God
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