Boggle brains with this fully resourced philosophy lesson explores the fundamental nature, assumptions, foundations, and implications of mathematics! This multi-use interactive philosophy lesson explores ‘Philosophy of Mathematics’: the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of mathematical truth, mathematical proof, mathematical evidence, mathematical practice, and mathematical explanation. This fully resourced philosophy lesson is ideal for teachers who want to explore philosophy of mathematics 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 mathematics The unique nature of mathematical knowledge Theories of mathematics such as logicism, intuitionism and formalism The link between mathematics and the natural world The idea that mathematics can be beautiful The big question asked in this session is “Are mathematical laws invented or discovered?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical questions such as What is a number? What is the purpose of mathematics? To what extent is nature itself governed by mathematical principles, rules and laws? Does a mathematical law refer to physical reality or is it only a mental construct with no bearing on reality? What is the relationship between scientific knowledge and mathematics? Students will also analyse and evaluate an eclectic mix of philosophical claims such as: “Mathematical knowledge is something we discover entirely through studying the physical world” “Numbers never lie” “Mathematics is the best way to objectively understand the world” “Living a good life depends on an understanding of mathematics” and “Mathematics is best understood as being like a game” 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 mathematics who are looking to explore the fundamental nature, assumptions, foundations, and implications of mathematics more deeply with students and bring philosophy, philosophical thinking and critical thinking into their maths lessons.

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 multi-use interactive philosophy lesson explores ‘Philosophy of Mental Health’: an interdisciplinary field of study that combines views and methods from the philosophy of mind, psychology, neuroscience, and moral philosophy in order to analyse the nature of mental illness. We’ve aimed to combine philosophical issues with practical ‘PSHE’ topics to create a fascinating philosophy teaching resource that will help your students to explore the topic of mental health whilst emphasising critical-thinking skills and challenging assumptions. This session is ideal for teachers who want to explore philosophy with students aged 8-16; we’ve carefully selected the most significant issues and questions relating to philosophy of mental health so that young learners can engage in fun and useful philosophical discussions and debates. This session explores topics such as: The nature of the mental illness Different theories as to the fundamental causes of mental illness How lifestyle choices can promote good mental health How to respond to mental health challenges in ourselves and others The role of society and culture in the genesis of mental illness The big question asked in this session is “Why do some people face mental health challenges whilst others do not?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical questions such as To what extent is mental illness similar to physical illness? What are the primary causes of mental health challenges? What is the best way to treat a mental illness? What are some ways in which people can manage and reduce the amount of stress they have in their lives? To what extent should people rely on medication to help manage and treat mental health conditions? and How can lifestyle choices impact the likelihood that we develop mental health problems? This resource is suitable for teachers of all school subjects who are looking explore the topic of mental health and mental illness with young people: it is of particular relevant to Psychology Teachers and PSHE Teachers and PSHE Co-ordinators. 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. Aside from a wide range of debate and discussion activities, teachers can also choose from a variety of more substantial activities such as essay writing, poetry writing, and speech writing tasks.

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”

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 fun philosophy lesson is focused on ‘bioethics’ and explores moral and ethical issues relating to biomedical research, new biomedical technologies, and the field of practical medicine. This philosophy session is of particular interest to Biology Teachers and is designed with the biology classroom in mind; since it explores moral issues in depth, the resource can also contribute to your schools SMSC remit. This session explores topics such as: Ethical vs unethical biomedical research Animal experimentation New biotechnologies such as cloning and genetic engineering Moral dilemmas faced by medical professionals Euthanasia Whilst the session explores some reproductive technologies and their implications (such as the ability for parents to choose the sex of their child), it does not refer to the abortion debate. We felt that this particular topic was not suitable for younger learners and was far too important, controversial and nuanced to be covered in a ‘Fun Philosophy Lesson’! The big question asked in this session is “What are the biggest ethical issues raised by upcoming biotechnologies?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and ethical questions such as: What is the difference between an ethical scientific experiment and an unethical one? To what extent should all people have the right to refuse medical treatment? To what extent is it moral and desirable to improve the human species using biomedical technologies such as genetic engineering? Why might some people feel that the widespread use of cosmetic surgery is morally problematic? and To what extent is ‘Jurassic Park’ a morally problematic idea? 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 multi-use interactive philosophy lesson explores philosophical and ethical issues relating to space, space exploration and alien life. This session is ideal for teachers who want to explore philosophy in science lessons with students aged 8-16; we’ve carefully selected the most significant issues and questions relating to space and space exploration so that young learners can engage in fun philosophical discussions and debates. This session explores topics such as: Cosmology: the nature and potential origins of space and the universe Ethical issues such as: The rights of native species when colonising planets Terraforming Artificial panspermia The development of space-based weaponry Extra-terrestrial life One of the main philosophical debates explored by this instructional resource concerns ‘the fabric of space’: the debate between ‘Substantivalism’ (the view that space exists in addition to any material bodies situated within it) and the contrasting view ‘Relationalism’ which claims that there is no such thing as space; there are just material bodies, spatially related to one another. According to the relationalist view, what we call ‘space’ is literally just the empty nothingness between things that actually exist (atoms, planets, etc.). The big question asked in this session is “Is colonising other planets actually a good idea?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and moral questions such as: What is ‘space’ made of? (if anything) In what ways might aliens be different to us in terms of how they communicate, think and feel? If you reached the edge of space (the edge of the universe) and threw a rock over the edge: what would happen? To what extent is it a good idea for large corporations to lead humanity when it comes to space exploration? How would the discovery of alien life impact humanity? Students will also analyse and evaluate an eclectic mix of philosophical claims such as: “If aliens exist, they’ll probably be hostile and unfriendly” “The Universe had a beginning, and it will have an end” “It’s more important to focus on fixing the environmental issues on our planet than exploring space” and “Unless we colonise other planets it is only a matter of time before humanity goes extinct” 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 ‘Fun Philosophy Lesson’ is focused on philosophical and ethical issues that relate dance and dancing. It’s ideal for dance teachers to use with students aged 8-16 in order to help them understand the importance of dance on a deeper level. This interactive multi-use learning session is useful as a part of your schools performing arts provision and is of particular interest to teachers of dance it focuses on a wide range of topics such as: The value and purpose of dance The evolutionary psychology of dance Ecstatic Dance and the role of dance in spiritual development Ethical conduct and good manners on the dancefloor The importance of dance in social and emotional development The benefits of dancing for wider society and culture Dance Movement Therapy and the role of dance in fostering good mental health and treating mental illness . . The big question asked in this session is “Why do people dance?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and ethical questions such as: What, fundamentally, is dance? Why do some people enjoy dancing to music that evokes “negative” emotions such as anger, rage, tragedy or sadness? In what ways might a psychotherapist use dance as a tool for healing and treating mental illnesses? Why might dancing in a group or with a partner be uniquely beneficial in comparison with dancing alone? To what extent is it reasonable to say that “it is human nature to dance”? To what extent is there something politically rebellious about dancing freely and expressing oneself through dance? In terms of what one is doing with one’s mind: what is the essence of “skilful dancing”? . . 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 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!

This fun philosophy lesson focuses on aesthetics, art and the nature of beauty. Aestheticians ask questions like “What is a work of art?”, “What makes a work of art successful?”, “Why do we find certain things beautiful?”, “How can things of very different categories be considered equally beautiful?”, “Is there a connection between art and morality?”, “Can art be a vehicle of truth?”, “Are aesthetic judgments objective statements or purely subjective expressions of personal attitudes?”, “Can aesthetic judgments be improved or trained?” This session is of particular interest to Art Teachers and teachers of subjects that have an aesthetic component (such as Design, Crafts, and Textiles); we’ve carefully selected the most significant philosophical issues wrestled with by aestheticians both ancient and modern so that young learners can engage in fun philosophical discussions and debates. This session explores topics such as: The nature and value of art Different ways of evaluating art The nature of beauty and the degree to which it is “in the eye of the beholder” Cultural and historical relativism in evaluating art and beauty The impact of AI in the creation of art The big question asked in this session is “Is beauty an objective fact or merely ‘in the eye of the beholder’?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical questions such as: What makes one object “art” and another object “not art”? How should we measure the value of art? Why do people create art? What are the moral duties of an artist? How can creating art benefit our community and society? 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 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.