Philosophy SL

Guide to the IB Subject

Philosophy deals with issues that are profound, usually difficult, and important for humanity.  It is a systematic critical enquiry into profound, fascinating and challenging questions that people have asked since the beginning of time, and confronts new problems arising within contemporary society.

The emphasis of the IB philosophy course is very much on doing philosophy. Students develop their skills through the study of philosophical themes and the close reading of philosophical texts. They also learn to apply their philosophical knowledge and skills to real-life examples or situations and how non-philosophical material can be treated in a philosophical way. Philosophical questions are explored through an examination of themes and texts. Students learn through tools, such as critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis and evaluation, and construction of arguments. Students are challenged to develop their own philosophical voice and independence of thought.

IB Philosophy aims to bring the subject of philosophy alive, gaining a sense of its richness and practical value in daily life and expanding our appreciation of ourselves and the world around us. It teaches us not what to think, but how to think. By participating in the great philosophical debates, students will develop their skills of rigorous reasoning; by study, analysis and criticism of the great works of philosophy, ancient and modern, students will develop their capacity to make reasoned judgments for themselves.