Philosophy VCE Unit 1
What is the nature of reality? How can we acquire certain knowledge? These are some of the questions that have challenged humans for millennia and underpin ongoing endeavours in areas as diverse as science, justice and the arts. This unit engages students with fundamental philosophical questions through active, guided investigation and critical discussion of two key areas of philosophy: epistemology and metaphysics. The emphasis is on philosophical inquiry – ‘doing philosophy’ – which allows students to also engage with the study and practice the philosophy of logic which are central to this. As students learn to think philosophically, appropriate examples of philosophical viewpoints and arguments, both contemporary and historical, are used to support, stimulate and enhance their thinking about central concepts and problems. Students investigate relevant debates in epistemology and metaphysics, and consider whether the philosophical bases of these debates continue to have relevance in contemporary society and our everyday lives.
Philosophy VCE Unit 2
What is morality? Where does it come from? How do we determine what is right and what is wrong and how does this work in real life? How do we determine what we value as a society?
This unit enables students to explore these questions in relation to different categories of value judgment within the realms of morality, political and social philosophy and aesthetics. Students also explore ways in which viewpoints and arguments in value theory can inform and be informed by contemporary debates. Students critically reflect on their experience of doing philosophy and develop perspectives on the nature, purpose and value of philosophy. They also reflect on the value of philosophy for navigating questions of contemporary living.
They study at least one primary philosophical text, using the complete text or an extract, and develop a range of skills including formulating philosophical questions and developing philosophical perspectives.