Aim of New Philosophy Course for Junior Cycle

The official outline of the new philosophy course which will be offered as an option in Junior Cycle is not intended to provide students with definite answers. Instead, the document suggests it may lead to “a higher state of confusion.” The course “requires teachers and students becoming more fallible as ‘not knowing’ and changing one’s mind is appreciated as part of the learning and nature of philosophical inquiry.”

The outline adds: “The quality of the answer is located in the process of searching for solutions rather than in the answer itself.” The aim is to enable students to reflect on “life’s big questions” and to develop “critical, creative, collaborative, caring thinkers.” (Source: ‘Students to be offered new philosophy course’, Joe Humphreys Irish Times 12/01/2016).