Big Thinkers: Different Ways to See the World
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about philosophy and different ways of thinking.
- Talk about what makes us question the world around us.
- Read about some of the main ideas of a few philosophical schools.
- Listen to a conversation about what philosophy is.
- Write about a philosophical idea that interests you.
Key Words:
- Philosophy: Studying big questions about the world and how we should live.
- Idealism: The idea that our thoughts and ideas are the most real thing.
- Empiricism: The idea that we learn by experiencing the world through our senses.
- Stoicism: A way of thinking that helps us stay calm and strong even when things are hard.
- Rationalism: The idea that we can understand the world through reason and logic.
- Existentialism: The idea that we are free to choose our own path in life.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Have you ever wondered about the meaning of life? Or about what is real and what isn’t?
- Do you think we can trust our senses, or should we rely more on our reason?
- When things get difficult, how do you stay strong and keep going?
Let’s Read!
Philosophy is about asking big questions and finding different ways to answer them. Some philosophers, like idealists, think our thoughts are more important than the world around us. Others, like empiricists, say we can only know things by experiencing them. Stoics teach us how to be strong and accept what we cannot change.
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of a person talking about the meaning of philosophy and giving examples of philosophical questions.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a philosopher who believes in idealism. The other is a philosopher who believes in empiricism. Have a discussion about your different views.
Example:
- Idealist: “I believe the world we see is shaped by our minds.”
- Empiricist: “I think we learn about the world by observing it and using our senses.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about a philosophical idea that you find interesting or confusing. Explain why it interests you or what part confuses you.
Extra Fun:
If you can, find a famous quote from a philosopher you learned about today. Share it with the class and discuss what you think it means.
