Can you sugest any philosophical questions I should ask them to promote discussion and get them thinking?
2007-07-09 13:22:30 · 10 answers · asked by sbeckett 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
You should see enki's questions
that might give you an idea or even mine , but I don't have that many
2007-07-09 13:39:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here are a few off the top of my head:
* Is morality absolute or subjective (relative)? How do we know?
* How free are we? Both in terms of free will, and also what limits society can place on individual action.
* How do we know what we know? (I personally think this is one of the most important questions in philosophy and rational thought.)
* When should we be skeptical, and when should we be willing to accept something on faith or on authority? How do we tell the difference?
I think "what is the meaning of life," although it's the most common question asked here, probably is not a great philosophical question, because the answer involves more speculation than thinking. "Is there a god" might be a suitable question if followed up with "how can we know?" and if it doesn't stray too far into religion.
If you don't mind getting into a little religion, you may want to consider a discussion on Pascal's wager, including of course its criticisms and refutations.
You may also want to check out a book called "The Book of Questions" by Gregory Stock. It's a book about moral and ethical quandaries and it's definitely designed to get you thinking.
On a related note, a discussion on the concept of moral hazards can get them thinking by having them weigh different scenarios. For instance should society encourage one type of behavior if doing so would also encourage another, bad type of behavior (e.g. increased risk-taking) as a side-effect or unintended consequence?
At their age, you probably don't want to bore them too much with the history of philosophy, but of course it couldn't hurt to review the great philosophers, their basic arguments, and, well, why they are considered great. Good luck!
2007-07-09 13:54:35 · answer #2 · answered by R[̲̅ə̲̅٨̲̅٥̲̅٦̲̅]ution 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the beginning, you must start with definitions - and why we need them - otherwise you will soon be teaching linguistic analysis. (Semantics)
Give definitions for: Metaphysics - Epistemology - Ethics - Politcs - Aesthetics.
Next discuss axioms - why we need them - and why they cannot be refuted... And then ask a 'simple' question; 'Is rational a matter of opinion?' the following rules will generate discussion and get them thinking.
1. In any conflict between two men (or two groups) who hold the same basic principles, it is the more consistent one who wins.
2. In any collaboration between two men (or two groups) who hold different basic principles, it is the more evil or irrational one who wins.
3. When opposite basic principles are clearly and openly defined, it works to the advantage of the rational side; when they are not clearly defined, but are hidden or evaded, it works to the advantage of the irrational side.
2007-07-10 00:23:00 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Wizard 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mind/Brain
Are the mind and the Brain one and the same object or are they separate entities.
Ethical Facts vs. Ethical Opinions
Does Good and Evil Exist indefinitely? Or Is good and Evil what Society deems it to be?
Do humans posses Free will? Or are we predetermined to be what we are by our genes and environment?
Maybe your where looking for something original? Sorry, I find the classic philosophical questions to be the most interesting.
2007-07-09 19:10:32 · answer #4 · answered by Future 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who, what, where, why, & when is "GOD"?
I wish you a lot of patience my man, kudos to you because at that age? Those human beings have enough questions to go whipping around you like a tasmanian devil without the fur. Hoo boy? I don't want to be in your shoes.
2007-07-09 21:36:35 · answer #5 · answered by the old dog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are we all originally good or are we all born evil? in class once i had a discussion because of this question and it was pretty good.
2007-07-12 17:50:31 · answer #6 · answered by WonderWoman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi im not ansering youre question sorry but did you substitute before
2007-07-09 13:30:27 · answer #7 · answered by koolk94 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
None.
Philosophy is a state of mind, not a body of knowledge, and thus cannot be taught. Any attempt to do so results in silly word games.
Those who have a calling to philosophy will come to knowledge.
Better to teach a short historical overview of various systems of thought.
2007-07-09 15:03:34 · answer #8 · answered by Grey Raven 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋
is there a god
what happens to us when we die
what is the meaning of life
2007-07-09 13:30:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What is our responsibility to our neighbor?
2007-07-09 13:26:34 · answer #10 · answered by LindaLou 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋