Objectives:
✓ Gain an understanding of what philosophy is, why it is important, and how it helps us better understand the world in which we live ✓ Review fundamental philosophical concepts
✓ Practice engaging in philosophical discussions and debates by utilizing the Socratic method
✓ Learn the fundamental value of philosophical inquiry
✓ Review the basics of logical writing and argumentation
✓ Practice creating sound arguments in written form
✓ Gain advanced essay writing skills needed to inform, critique, and persuade
✓ Critically review philosophical texts from philosophers such as Plato, Descartes, Kant, Bentham, and Sartre
✓ Apply your understanding of philosophical inquiry, ethics, and logic in writing to form your own philosophical perspective(s)

Learning Outcomes: 
✓ Can successfully engage in the Socratic method of discussion
✓ Has a foundation in epistemology, ethics, and ethical dilemmas
✓ Gain advanced knowledge of argumentation and logical reasoning
✓ Can argue points effectively through writing
✓ Capable of debunking flawed arguments in writing
✓ Able to identify logical fallacies
✓ Gain an understanding of multiple types of logical reasoning
✓ Gain a strong understanding of how a logical argument is formed, defended, and refuted
✓ Gain a deeper understanding of how to apply philosophy to multiple disciplines

Class Timeline:
✓ 45 mins. per lesson (20 mins. for instruction, 20 mins. for discussion & debate, 5 mins. for homework review & Q/A)
✓ Have lessons twice per week

Detailed Lesson Plan:
Week 1a: Define “Philosophy” & debate—Start using the Socratic method
Week 1b: Define “epistemology” and “ethics”—Start forming logical responses to arguments
Week 2a: Writing Task #1: Respond to an ethical dilemma
Week 2b: Learn how to prove arguments using premises and conclusions
Week 3a: Test arguments, explore fallacies, & develop counterarguments
Week 3b: Writing Task #2: Create a logical argument
Week 4a: Read & Discuss—Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”
Week 4b: Read & Discuss—Descartes’ “First Meditation”
Week 5a: Read & Discuss—Kant’s Categorical Imperative
Week 5b: Read & Discuss—Jeremy Bentham’s theory of utilitarianism
Week 6a: Capstone Project: Form a logical argument responding to Plato, Descartes, Kant, or Bentham
Week 6b: Evaluation and feedback