Philosophers and sages have reflected on the nature and significance of death and mortality since ancient times whilst reflecting on the possibility of an afterlife in the face of the mystery of death. According to many philosophers and psychologists: a healthy appreciation of one’s own finitude is essential for living a full life and for striving to live without regrets. Speaking about death and dying is a taboo in our society and yet by failing to speak openly about it we can often exacerbate the fear of death in young minds and feed their anxieties around death. This interactive philosophy lesson allows for open and reasonable discussions about death, mortality, and the possibility (or impossibility) of an afterlife. It is created without a religious or cultural bias or an agenda to persuade or convert students to a particular viewpoint in relation to the afterlife. This session is ideal for teachers who want to explore these deep matters of life and death with students aged 8-16; we’ve carefully selected the most significant issues and questions relating to death and the afterlife so that young learners can engage in fun philosophical discussions and debates. This session explores topics such as: The nature of the death The benefits of contemplating one’s own mortality Different views about the afterlife Whether or believing in ghosts is justified The value of funerals and honouring the dead Existential psychology Please be careful to time your use of this resource carefully and to deliver it with due sensitivity as some young people might struggle to wrestle with these issues. Please note: this resource discusses a variety of afterlife beliefs (i.e. the possibility of reincarnation, Heaven, Hell and nothingness) and, therefore, will probably involve the analysis and evaluation of religious beliefs. The big question asked in this session is “What are the benefits of thinking deeply about our own mortality?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical questions such as: Why do you think people are reluctant to talk about death and dying and that such topics are a taboo in our society? To what extent can thinking about death help us to appreciate and value those around us more? Many people have reported seeing ghosts: to what extent does this prove that ghosts exist? What do you think people experience after they die? How should we live our lives in such a way that we are always ready to die? and To what extent do Near Death Experiences (NDEs) prove that life after death is definitely true?

This fun philosophy lesson is focused on ‘Animal Ethics’: the branch of ethics which examines human-animal relationships, the moral consideration of animals and how nonhuman animals ought to be treated. Animal ethics explores topics such as animal rights, animal welfare, animal law, speciesism, animal cognition, wildlife conservation, wild animal suffering, the moral status of nonhuman animals, the concept of nonhuman personhood, human exceptionalism, the history of animal use, and theories of justice. This philosophy session is of interest to teachers of all school subjects who are hoping to explore ethics with young learners; since it explores moral issues in depth the resource is a great contribution to your schools SMSC remit. This session explores topics such as: Our moral duties towards animals The ethics of eating meat Animal testing Blood-sports and Utilitarian theories of animal ethics The big question asked in this session is “When (if ever) is it morally acceptable to cause an animal to suffer?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and ethical questions such as: What does the term ‘animal rights’ mean? To what extent is it morally wrong to eat animals such as cats and dogs? To what extent is it morally wrong to test cosmetics on animals? and To what extent is hunting wild animals a moral hobby? Students will also analyse and evaluate an eclectic mix of philosophical claims such as: “Humans are inherently superior & valuable to all other animals” “Animal testing is morally acceptable if the animals are being used to create new medicines” “All species go extinct eventually: protecting endangered species is a waste of time" and “An insect does not have an experience of living and cannot feel pain” 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 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. 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 download contains 5 model 15-mark answers for GCSE Sociology (WJEC Eduqas Specification). Save over 50% by buying them in the larger bundle of 20 model answers. These refer to the topic of ‘Families’. All materials are copyrighted and strictly not for re-distribution.