Page 339 - Social Sciences Humanities - The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12 - 2013

Philosophy: Questions and Theories,
Grade 12
University Preparation HZT4U
This course enables students to acquire an understanding of the nature of philosophy and philosophical reasoning skills and to develop and apply their knowledge and skills while exploring specialized branches of philosophy (the course will cover at least three of the following branches: metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of science, social and political philosophy, aesthetics).∗ Students will develop critical thinking and philosophical reasoning skills as they formulate and evaluate arguments related to a variety of philosophical questions and theories. They will also develop research and inquiry skills related to the study and practice of philosophy.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies
∗ The course will consist of two mandatory strands – A: Research and Inquiry Skills, and B: Philosophical Foundations – and at least three strands covering specialized branches of philosophy, to be selected from strands
C through H in the manner specified below. The knowledge and skills reflected in the mandatory strands are to be developed and applied in the context of the specialized branch strands. As shown in the accompanying figure, the course will cover:
• at least two of strands C–E (Core Topics) – Metaphysics, Ethics, Epistemology; and
• at least one of strands F–H (Supplementary Topics) – Philosophy of Science, Social and Political
Philosophy, Aesthetics
Teachers choose the strands that will be included in the course on the basis of their own strengths and the interests of their students.
Core Topics (at least two)
Supplementary Topics
(at least one)
C. Metaphysics
F. Philosophy of Science
D. Ethics
Mandatory Strands
A. Research and Inquiry B. Philosophical Foundations
G. Social and Political Philosophy
E. Epistemology
H. Aesthetics
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