Active learning ideas
The concept of the 'self' is one of the most intriguing areas of philosophy for teenagers. As 1st Year students are undergoing significant personal changes, exploring what makes them 'them' is highly relevant. This topic aligns with the NCCA Junior Cycle Key Skill of 'Managing Myself,' specifically 'Knowing myself' and 'Reflecting on my learning.'
Activity 01
Using a box of building blocks, students 'build' a ship. One by one, they replace the blocks with new ones. At each step, the group must vote: 'Is it still the same ship?' They then apply this logic to a human body whose cells are constantly being replaced.
What makes you the same person you were five years ago?
Activity 02
Students imagine a teleporter that destroys your body here and rebuilds an exact copy on Mars. Is the person on Mars 'you' or a 'clone'? Students discuss in pairs and then share what they think is the 'essential' part of themselves that must travel for it to be them.
Is your identity in your mind or your body?
Activity 03
Posters around the room represent different theories: 'The Body Theory,' 'The Memory Theory,' and 'The Soul Theory.' Students move in groups to list one strength and one weakness for each theory based on a provided scenario (e.g., someone getting a heart transplant).
What is the self?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
I am the same person because I look the same.
Students often rely on physical appearance. By discussing how much our bodies change from infancy to old age, active learning helps them see that physical continuity might not be enough to explain why we feel like the 'same' person over time.
My 'self' is just my brain.
This is a common modern view. However, through peer debate about 'brain transplants' or 'digital uploads,' students can explore whether their identity also involves their experiences, relationships, and emotions, which might not be purely physical.
Methods used in this brief
Freedom and Determinism
Debating whether humans have free will or if our actions are predetermined. Students consider the implications of free will for moral responsibility.
8 methodologies
Meaning and Purpose
Reflecting on the search for meaning in human life. Students discuss how different philosophers have approached the question of life's purpose.
8 methodologies