Philosophy: Thinking About Big Questions

Level: Junior Secondary (Ages 11–13)

Learn Philosophy: Thinking About Big Questions at Junior Secondary (Ages 11–13) level. Adaptive step-by-step learning pathway with interactive lessons and mastery quizzes on Akwụkwọ.

Course Modules & Syllabus

  1. Module 1: What is Philosophy? Why Do We Ask Questions?

    • Understand that philosophy means 'love of wisdom' and is about asking deep questions about life, truth, and right and wrong
    • Recognize that philosophers are thinkers who wonder about everyday things—like fairness at school or why we follow rules
    • Identify examples of philosophical questions in daily Nigerian contexts (e.g., 'Is it fair that some families have more money?' or 'What makes a good friend?')

  2. Module 2: Critical Thinking: How to Think Like a Philosopher

    • Learn what critical thinking means: asking 'Why?' and 'How do you know?' instead of accepting everything at face value
    • Practice spotting assumptions—beliefs we take for granted without proof
    • Apply critical thinking to real situations: evaluating claims in advertisements, social media, or conversations at home

  3. Module 3: Logic and Reasoning: Making Strong Arguments

    • Understand what makes an argument strong: clear reasons that actually support the conclusion
    • Learn to spot weak reasoning and logical fallacies (mistakes in thinking)
    • Practice building and testing arguments about topics that matter to learners (e.g., 'Why should I do my homework?' or 'Is it okay to bend the rules sometimes?')

  4. Module 4: Ethics: What Makes Something Right or Wrong?

    • Explore different ways people decide what is right and wrong: following rules, thinking about consequences, or considering what a good person would do
    • Examine real ethical dilemmas relevant to young people (e.g., cheating on a test, sharing a friend's secret, or standing up to bullying)
    • Reflect on personal values and how they guide choices in school, family, and community

  5. Module 5: Metaphysics: What is Real? What Exists?

    • Explore big questions about reality: What is real? Do we see the world as it truly is, or only our own version of it?
    • Investigate thought experiments (imaginary scenarios) that help us think about existence and knowledge
    • Consider how different cultures and beliefs answer these questions, including perspectives from Nigerian philosophy and worldviews

  6. Module 6: Epistemology: How Do We Know What We Know?

    • Understand that knowledge is different from opinion: knowledge needs good reasons or evidence
    • Learn about different sources of knowledge: experience, reason, authority, and intuition
    • Practice distinguishing between what we know, what we believe, and what we're just guessing about

  7. Module 7: Philosophy in Action: Applying Wisdom to Life

    • Apply philosophical thinking to solve real problems: conflicts with friends, decisions about fairness, or questions about identity and belonging
    • Conduct a philosophical discussion (called a 'Socratic dialogue') where learners ask questions and explore ideas together
    • Reflect on how philosophical thinking helps us live better, make wiser choices, and understand ourselves and others

  8. Module 8: Great Thinkers and Their Ideas

    • Meet famous philosophers from different times and places—including African philosophers—and learn what big questions they explored
    • Understand how philosophers' ideas have shaped the world: laws, human rights, education, and how we treat each other
    • Choose a philosopher or philosophical idea that interests you and explore it more deeply