Philosophy - an exploration
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This webquest will help you to understand the minds of some of the greatest thinkers of the Western World. You have already discussed Sophie's questions in class and understand the concepts of mind and matter, ethics and values, so are now ready to delve deeper into the realm of thought and discover what other, perhaps more famous, people believe. I would like to stress that just because they are famous, does not mean you have to agree with them. On the contrary - I expect you (as a group) to try to find arguments against some of the ideas presented.
Since philosophy is an intellectual pursuit and thinking is a process you should continue for the rest of your lives, we will begin at the beginning by studying the development of various schools of thought and learn about some of the great Western philosophers.
What is Philosophy?
STOP 
If you have not answered the question on the
Introduction page go back and do it now - it's worth points!
Choosing a Group
You should work in a group of five people. Each group will be assigned a number, and choose a leader, secretary, one person to be the dictionary and a devil's advocate. The group member who has this job has to check and edit any written work your group needs to do. You may also choose a name for your group. We should have no more than eight groups. If you are having trouble finding a group speak to me. Choose your group and send the names to
[email protected]Remember - your participation in the group will affect the group mark as well as your own. Look at the evaluation rubric again.
First assignment
All groups will do this assignment.
Read the instructions
before entering the sites.Enter either of these sites:
www.onelook.com orThe Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
1. Read the whole page as a group. I will set a date for a class discussion on the contents of the page and expect you to be willing participants. Each group will appoint a secretary who will type out a summary for each of the group members to bring to class on the day of the discussion. Please do not print out the whole of the web page. (Your group will lose points for this!)
2. Make sure your group is ready to try to explain the following terms listed at the bottom of the web page. Prepare an example from everyday life if you can. If you are really stuck - ask me.
Note:
Do not make a search of other web sites just yet. Discuss the explanations given on this particular site with your group members and try to figure out what is meant. Involve your parents and question them. The idea is to use your own intellect without searching for further explanations. You are still beginners and are not expected to become great philosophers just yet - that can wait until next year!
How could Patricia make us figure out all these weird words? Help!
Atomism, determinism, dualism, empiricism, Epicureanism, existentialism, hedonism, idealism, intuitionism, materialism, mechanism, monism, naturalism, ontology, phenomenology, pluralism, positivism, pragmatism, rationalism, realism, skepticism, Stoicism, transcendentalism, utilitarianism.
3.Who were the Sophists?
Be prepared to explain in class.
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