This multi-use interactive philosophy lesson explores ‘Philosophy of Science’: the branch of philosophy that’s concerned with the nature, foundations, methods, and implications of science. The central questions of this study concern what qualifies as science, the reliability of scientific theories, and the ultimate purpose of science. This session is ideal for teachers who want to explore philosophy of science with students aged 8-16; we’ve carefully selected the most significant issues and questions relating to philosophy of science so that young learners can engage in fun philosophical discussions and debates. This session explores topics such as: The nature of science The ways in which scientists pursue knowledge Strengths and weaknesses of the scientific method The nature of pseudoscience and how to identify it It outlines and explores different concepts from philosophers of science including empiricism and naturalism as well as the views of Aristotle, Bacon, Descartes, Duhem, Feyerabend and Cartwright (in the advanced reading section). The big question asked in this session is “To what extent is science the most valid way to gain knowledge?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical questions such as What is science? What is the difference between ‘scientific knowledge claims’ and other types of knowledge claim? How can we tell the difference between pseudoscience and actual science? To what extent is the materialist view (that only physical matter exists) accurate? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific method of pursuing knowledge? 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. This resource is especially suitable for teachers of science who are looking to explore the nature of science and the scientific method more deeply with students and bring philosophy, philosophical thinking and critical thinking into their science lessons. The file is a 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! This resource is suitable for students aged 8-16; due to the flexible nature of the sessions design it can be used for multiple hour-long sessions or as a short stimulating tutor-group activity.

Explore ethical issues relating to scientific research and advancement with this philosophy teaching resource for students aged 8-16! This multi-use interactive philosophy lesson is ideal for teachers who want to explore ethical issues relating to science with students aged 8-16; we’ve carefully selected the most significant moral issues and questions relating to philosophy of science so that young learners can engage in interesting philosophical discussions and engaging moral debates. This session explores topics such as: The nature of ethical vs unethical scientific research The ethical duties of scientists Rules that ensure scientific research is ethical The use of animals in scientific research Moral issues raised by new scientific advancements (e.g., nuclear weapons, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence) One of the overarching issues explored in this session is the degree to which scientists are responsible for the ways in which their research is used and the technologies that research can give rise to. The big question asked in this session is “What ethical rules should scientists adhere to in the pursuit of knowledge?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical questions such as: What kinds of ethical considerations should all scientists keep in mind when conducting research? What ethical rules should all scientists stick to when conducting research? Are there some things that are fundamentally unethical to research in the first place? To what extent is it ethical for a scientist to help develop new drone weaponry? Students will also analyse and evaluate an eclectic mix of philosophical and moral claims such as: “Sometimes it’s okay to use animals in scientific experiments” “It’s always okay to experiment on humans if they give consent” “Some scientific advancements have done more harm than good” “Scientists should have refused to help develop nuclear weapons” and “Sometimes it’s okay for scientists to distort data if it leads to a greater good”