Philosophy · Grade 12

Active learning ideas

Rationalism vs. Empiricism

Rationalism vs. Empiricism is the classic debate at the heart of Epistemology (Strand C). Students explore the source of human knowledge: does it come from the 'pure reason' of the mind (Rationalism) or the 'sensory data' of experience (Empiricism)? This topic introduces heavyweights like Descartes and his 'Cogito,' alongside Locke's 'Tabula Rasa' and Hume's skepticism.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• HZT4U C1.1
• HZT4U C1.2

• 20–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 30 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The Sensory Deprivation Challenge

Students are asked to describe a 'triangle' or the concept of 'justice' without using any sensory language (sight, touch, etc.). They then debate whether these concepts are 'innate' (Rationalism) or if they originally came from seeing shapes and unfair acts (Empiricism).

Does knowledge come from reason or sensory experience?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Blank Slate

Pairs discuss: 'If you were born without any senses, would you still have thoughts?' They use this to explore Locke's 'Tabula Rasa' versus Descartes' 'Innate Ideas,' then share their conclusions with the class.

Are there innate ideas?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Gallery Walk
• 40 min · Individual

Gallery Walk: Sources of Knowledge

Post various claims (e.g., '2+2=4', 'The sun will rise tomorrow', 'Murder is wrong'). Students move around and label each claim as 'A Priori' (reason-based) or 'A Posteriori' (experience-based), justifying their choice to a peer.

How do rationalists and empiricists justify their claims?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Empiricists don't use their brains or logic.

  Empiricists use logic to process sensory data; they just believe the *data* must come from outside first. A 'Sorting' activity helps students see that both schools use reason, but they disagree on where the 'raw material' of thought comes from.

• Rationalism is just 'having an opinion.'

  Rationalism is about necessary truths (like math) that must be true in all possible worlds. Using geometry examples in a small group helps students distinguish between 'personal thoughts' and 'rationalist certainty.'

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Think-Pair-Share
• Gallery Walk