3 - Philosophy HL

Course summary

Why study Philosophy? The most important reason to study Philosophy is that it is a fascinating subject. All of us have to face questions about right and wrong; life and death; about what we can believe, and what we should be sceptical about. Philosophy will help you ask these questions well. Philosophy is also a practical subject, and you will develop life skills prized by universities and employers. You will learn how to think and write clearly, how to spot a bad argument, and how to make a good one. These skills are invaluable in careers such as law, medicine, journalism, and science. Philosophy will give you a deeper perspective on your other IB subjects. For example, in English, your study of ethics might help you analyse the qualities that make a character in a novel heroic or villainous. Similarly, students who study Philosophy tell us that they have a much deeper understanding of the issues raised in the core TOK course.