Determinism, Fate, Moral Responsibility & Destiny [P4C - Philosophy & Ethics Lesson]

This ‘Fun Philosophy Lesson’ is focused on the free-will vs determinism debate. This resource can be used with students aged 8-16.

This interactive multi-use learning session is of particular interest to Teachers of Philosophy & Ethics, it focuses on a wide range of topics such as:

• Determinism
• Free-will
• Fate / Destiny
• Moral Responsibility
• Responses to Evil
   
  We’ve aimed to cover as many issues as possible when it comes to finding engaging philosophical and ethical issues for young learners to debate and discuss in relation to the free-will and determinism debate!

The big question asked in this session is “What external factors influence the decisions and choices you make?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and ethical questions such as:

• What circumstances existed before we were born that influence where we will end up in life?

• To what extent do you have a destiny that you will inevitably fulfil?

• To what extent is everything the result of cause and effect?

• How does our genetics and biology impact the choices we make?

• Is a ‘bad person’ born bad or is their behaviour the result of circumstances and conditions outside of their control?
    
  Students will also analyse and evaluate an eclectic mix of philosophical and ethical claims such as:

• “Everything that happens was set in motion a long time ago”

• “The precise moment of my death is already determined, nothing can change it”

• “I am in control of my own destiny”

• “Whether I succeed or fail in life is the result of factors outside of my control”

• “Free-will is an illusion”
   
  This session uses our unique format for philosophy teaching resources and features an integrated menu that allows teachers to select from a variety of starter, main, plenary, assessment and end-of-lesson reflection activities. With a massive selection of activities designed to trigger philosophical discussions, debates and reflections: you can re-use the resource numerous times with the same group. For teachers wishing to run ‘P4C’ (Philosophy for Children) sessions these resources are ideal!

The file is a non-editable PowerPoint Show: no planning or preparation is required, just run the file and the intuitive menu system will make delivering a powerful philosophy session very easy!