Tackling the tough questions – philosophy students face off
Students tackled such questions as “Do human beings have free will?” and “What is the nature of the human mind?” during a recent competition to promote the new Philosophy & Ethics course.
Hale School's Year 9 Philosothon competitor, Shane Chandra.
Hale School's winning Philosothon team - Arjun Kaushik, Shane Chandra, Blair Hurley, Robert Gillam and Lee Fitzmaurice.
Hosted and organised by Hale School, the inaugural “Philosothon” attracted 100 participants from 10 schools.
The Curriculum Council’s Philosophy & Ethics course project officer, Dr Raymond Driehuis, said the interest in the competition mirrored the interest shown in the new course.
“There has been strong interest in the course, which will be offered in Year 11 next year,” he said.
“At this stage, six schools will be implementing the course next year, however there is growing interest from other schools.
“The course has been popular with a range of schools and is being implemented with broad enthusiasm and interest.”
Dr Driehuis said the competition served to raise awareness of the course, at the same time as it promoted excellence and healthy competition between schools.
“The competition involved four groups participating in a ‘community enquiry’. During the competition, students struggled with a concept, problem or issue and tried to come up with a solution based on reason,” he said.
“Students were judged on their analytical sharpness as well as the cooperation they demonstrated at working in a group.”
Year 10 Philosothon winner, Arjun Kaushik (15) of City Beach, said participating in the Philosothon was stimulating because he enjoyed arguing a point of view.
“Philosophy is about finding the truth and I am pretty good at critiquing an argument. I am also willing to alter my point of view if a stronger opinion or view is presented,” Arjun said.
“The ability to question things is very important. We can progress in life by questioning things that are already in place.”
Arjun said he is interested in a career in either medicine or law. He said the ethical debate has important implications for many careers.
“In medicine; for example, the issue of life support systems is an important ethical issue.”
Hale School’s Year 9 competitor was 14 year-old Shane Chandra of Wembley. Experienced in public speaking, debating and drama, he was nominated to enter the competition by his Religious Education teacher.
“Despite feeling a little awkward at the start of the Philosothon, I found the competition environment very open and relaxed,” Shane said.
Hale School’s Gifted Education coordinator, Leanne Owen, said the Philosothon provided a unique opportunity for students to use their higher order thinking skills.
“It was a great opportunity for students to really challenge themselves. All the teachers who attended the event were extremely proud of their students,” Ms Owen said.
She hoped more schools would participate in next year’s competition, which will be held on Wednesday 29 October 2008.
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Philosothon results:
Year level medal winners:
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