An introduction to philosophy and meta ethics

AQA syllabus Religious Studies for Philosophy and Ethics. An A-level lesson introducing the concept of philosophy with a particular focus on exploring meta-ethics. There is an outline of the major branches of philosophy introduced through video clips from popular Hollywood films to allow students to connect with the quite abstract nature of philosophical inquiry; meta-physics, epistemology, meta-ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language and ethics. If watching all clips and allowing for discussion of student understanding, this can last a full 60 minute lesson, This is followed by a peer-teach style lesson on meta-ethics, where peer-teachers are chosen from among the students (I usually choose high ability) and the rest of the class carousel between them to gather information. This is followed by a reflection using De Bono's Hats. The meta-ethics element of the lesson can also be stretched to last 60 minutes, making this cover 2 sessions. This lesson always divides the class into those inspired and those who feel their brain has been squashed - I love teaching it.