Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
2nd Year Philosophy.
The Junior Cycle Philosophy Short Course empowers Year 2 students to think critically, reason logically, and engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. Through collaborative inquiry, students develop their capacity for independent thought and respectful dialogue in alignment with NCCA guidelines.
01Foundations of Philosophical Thinking
This unit introduces Junior Cycle students to the foundational skills of philosophical inquiry. Students will learn to distinguish philosophical questions and construct logical arguments.
Students explore the origins of philosophy and distinguish between philosophical and non-philosophical questions. They learn to appreciate wonder and curiosity as the starting points of inquiry.
An introduction to the basic building blocks of logical reasoning. Students learn to identify premises and conclusions in everyday statements.
Students examine common logical fallacies and learn how to evaluate the validity of arguments. They practice identifying flawed reasoning in media and debate.
02Philosophy of Knowledge (Epistemology)
Students explore the nature of knowledge, truth, and perception. This unit challenges learners to question the reliability of their senses and the limits of human understanding.
Students investigate different theories of truth and how we claim to know something. They explore the difference between belief, opinion, and justified knowledge.
An exploration of how our senses shape our understanding of the world. Students question whether our senses can be trusted to reveal reality.
Students discuss skepticism and the boundaries of what humans can truly know. They engage with thought experiments like the 'Brain in a Vat'.
03Moral Philosophy (Ethics)
An exploration of moral philosophy and ethical decision-making. Students apply ethical frameworks to contemporary issues, including environmental justice and digital technology.
Students are introduced to ethical theories such as utilitarianism and deontology. They apply these frameworks to simple moral dilemmas.
An examination of justice, equality, and the social contract. Students debate what constitutes a fair society and how resources should be distributed.
Students explore the moral status of animals and the environment. They consider human responsibilities towards the natural world and future generations.
A critical look at the ethical implications of modern technology, including artificial intelligence and social media. Students debate privacy, truth, and digital responsibility.
04Philosophy of Mind and Self
This unit delves into the philosophy of mind, examining concepts of personal identity and consciousness. Students debate the complexities of the mind-body problem and free will.
Students investigate what makes a person the same individual over time. They explore concepts of memory, consciousness, and physical continuity.
An introduction to the relationship between the physical brain and the conscious mind. Students debate dualism versus materialism.
Students examine the debate between free will and determinism. They consider how these concepts impact moral responsibility and human agency.