This LibGuide will help you locate resources to complete your Philosophy Research.
Task Description:
Big Questions: Inquiry Project
Objective: This task encourages students to explore big questions through inquiry, critical thinking, and personal reflection.
- Choose a Big Question: Select one of the following questions:
- What makes a punishment fair?
- What would a perfect world look like?
- What makes something beautiful?
- Why do we need art in our lives?
- Can we know if God exists?
- What should we do to help people in need?
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- Are our choices truly ours to make?
- Why should we care about people we don’t know?
- Why do we need rules in society?
- What makes us different from other animals?
- Why are friends important in our lives?
- Can things we see or hear be misleading?
- What responsibilities do we have towards the environment and future generations?
- Find an Image: Search for an image that reflects your inquiry question. This could be a piece of art, a photograph, or a symbolic representation. Explain why you chose this image and how it relates to your question.
- Explore Different Perspectives: Research and summarise at least three different perspectives on your inquiry question. Consider viewpoints from:
- Philosophers (e.g., John Rawls on justice, Karl Marx on society)
- Cultural or religious perspectives (if applicable)
- Contemporary thinkers or activists
- Interview a Family Member: Conduct a brief interview with a family member about your inquiry question. Prepare at least five questions to ask them. Summarise their responses and reflect on how their views compare to what you’ve researched.
- Draw Your Own Conclusions: Based on your research and the interview, write a reflective piece (300-500 words) where you:
- State your personal viewpoint on the inquiry question.
- Discuss how your understanding has evolved through this process.
- Consider any new questions that have arisen from your exploration.
- Presentation: Prepare a short presentation (3-5 minutes) to share your findings with the class. Include:
- Your inquiry question
- The image you selected
- Key perspectives you explored
- Insights from your family interview
- Your conclusions
Assessment Criteria
- Image Selection: Thoughtfulness in choosing and explaining the image.
- Perspective Exploration: Depth and variety of perspectives considered.
- Interview Summary: Engagement with the family member and reflection on their views.
- Conclusion: Insightfulness and personal reflection in your writing.
- Presentation: Clarity, engagement, and ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Tips for Success
- Be curious! Approach your inquiry with an open mind.
- Use reliable sources for your research.
- Make your presentation engaging—consider using visuals or props.
- Reflect on your own beliefs and how they may have changed.
