Philosophy in schools The Honora Program

Fourth Week Nagle College, Blacktown

Years 7 to 11

Building Bridges of Thinking, Feeling and Acting

Principles of Philosophy

Take part in discussion on the Wiki site: www.naglephilosophy.wikispaces.com ; use this space for all online discussion outside classtime

Ask QUESTIONS and DISCUSS issues with each other; EXPLORE IDEAS!!!

Do some research on philosophers/philosophy in library, on net

Think about possible topics for 2009 (we will plan this in Week 8)

Enjoy the topics & discussion, meet as many others as possible...

Why bother doing philosophy?‘Philosophy’ = ‘the love of wisdom/ knowing’

Philosophy is linked to your existence ; Latin “existere” = “to stand out, be outstanding”

Philosophy is NOT just thinking or reflection - it always leads to meaningful ACTION!!! (see article)

Philosophy is never dead or idle - it is always ready to QUESTION ANY ARGUMENTS, to ask where, why, how, when, etc...

(Anthony Harrison-Barbet. (2001). Mastering Philosophy, 2nd Edition. New York: Palgrave, pp.1-9).

Wiki topics - discussion

1. Is philosophy practical or just a waste of time?

2. Can we really know anything, or nothing, or just bits and pieces of everything?

3. Why is there so much suffering in the world? Does anyone care about suffering? Is it true that the smarter you are, the more you suffer?

philosophy topic - 4th week

what is ‘happiness’ or the ‘pursuit of happiness’? (T4, Wk 7)

• Look at websites in last slide and write your own definition of “happiness”

Philosopher quotes on “Happiness” - what ideas do you agree with?

• AIM: to provide opportunities for you to “do philosophy and share ideas”

• David Myers tips for “a happier life” - is anything missing? (HANDOUT)

• The pursuit of happiness is the basic right of every human being (Thomas Jefferson, US Declaration of Independence)

• “If a little is not enough for you, then nothing is” (Epicurus, 3rd Century BCE)

• Epicurus also wrote: “Don’t worry about death”; and “Friendship is one of the most important parts of the good life” [brings happiness]

Philosopher quotes on “Happiness” No. 2

• “By looking back at which decisions have brought you long-term happiness and which have eventually left you feeling regret, you can deepen your self-knowledge” (Socrates, 470-399 BCE)

• “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful” (Albert Schweitzer, 1960s)

• “Happiness exists in action. It exists in telling the truth and saying what your truth is. And it exists in giving away what you want the most” (Eve Ensler, fights violence against women, 1990s)

• “If someone wants to be my disciple, he/she must renounce everything, take up their cross, and follow me...the grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die, otherwise it will not reap a rich harvest” (Jesus Christ, d. 30 CE). QUESTION - can happiness and suffering exist side by side??

Philosophy topicspreparation for next week (Week 5) ...

• 1. What is philosophy, anyway? (T4, Wk3)

• 2. Is the world about us all that there is, or are there other beings, like God for example or angels or spirits? (T4, Wk 4)

• 3. Are humans special, or are they just like other animals?/ Animals rights (T4, Wk 5)

• 4. Choice of topics - Is philosophy practical? Do we really know anything?; Why is there suffering? (T4, Wk 7)

• Preparation for Week 8: “What is happiness?”

• 5. Discussion: “What is happiness?”; Improving your Logic; Evaluation of Course; Planning for 2009 (T4, Wk 8)

The pursuit of happiness - web sites

Introductory Sites

The Pursuit of Happiness: http://pursuit-of-happiness.org/default.aspx

Recipe for Living a Happier Life: http://www.davidmyers.org/Brix?pageID=46

More Advanced Sites

Health Matters - The Philosophy of Happiness: http://www.myhealthmatters.com.au/philosophy-of-happiness.html

Articles on Happiness - David Myers: http://www.davidmyers.org/Brix?pageID=47

The Greek Philosopher Epicurus on “Happiness”: http://www.spring.org.uk/2007/12/hedonist-philosopher-epicurus-was-right.php

The Philosophers’ Zone - the Greeks and Happiness: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/philosopherszone/stories/ 2006/1608080.htm

Josephson Institute - Quotes on Happiness: http://josephsoninstitute.org/quotes/happiness.html

ConclusionThank You