Page 334 - Social Sciences Humanities - The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12 - 2013

Grade 11, University/College Preparation
B3. Defining Terms and Concepts
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9–12 | Social Sciences and Humanities
B2.3 compare how different philosophical tradi­ tions approach the same big question (e.g., Thomism and existentialism on a question about the meaning of life; rationalism and empiricism on a question about human knowledge; liberalism and libertarianism on a question about social justice; utilitarianism and Kantianism on a question about ethical theory; expressionism and formalism on a question about the nature of art)
Teacher prompts: “How would Thomists and existentialists respond to the question ‘Does life have a purpose?’” “In what ways do rationalism and empiricism differ regarding the role of the senses in the acquisition of knowledge?” “What are the differences between Rawlsian and Nozickian liberalism regarding the question of whether social justice and individual freedom are compatible?” “What are the utilitarian and Kantian positions regarding the question of whether it is ever right to tell a lie?” “How do expressionists
and formalists differ in their response to the question ‘Must an object provoke an emotional response to be a work of art?’”
By the end of this course, students will:
B3.1 define terms central to philosophical discus­ sions of the big questions (e.g., personal identity, nihilism, scepticism, a priori, a posteriori, personhood, essence, feminism, consciousness, altruism, Socratic method, pluralism, determinism, perception, causality, freedom, soul, knowledge, truth, virtue, morality, objectivity, subjectivity, wisdom, social contract, justice, the ideal state, rights and responsibilities, representational art, formalist art)
B3.2 explain the ways in which philosophical terms and concepts used by different philoso­ phers have evolved over time, and describe how these terms and concepts are understood within different philosophical traditions
Teacher prompts: “How has the concept of beauty changed between ancient times and modern times?” “How might philosophers of aesthetics and metaphysics differ in their use of the term soul?” “What similarities and differ­ ences are there in the way John Stuart Mill and Simone de Beauvoir or Susan Moller Okin use the terms equality or individual rights?”
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