Philosophy Unit 4: On Believing

Prerequisites

Philosophy Unit 3: The Good Life

Course Description

Foundations of belief

In this area of study, students explore philosophical questions relating to the interpersonal aspects of belief formation and the interrelationship between believing well and living well. Students use the concepts, arguments and viewpoints from the set texts to develop perspectives on these questions. As they reflect on the merits and shortcomings of these perspectives and the underpinning concepts, viewpoints and arguments, they formulate and defend their own philosophical positions.

Areas of Study

Contemporary applications

An important aspect of the study of philosophical viewpoints and arguments is developing the capacity to identify and respond to relevant matters of practical concern.

In this area of study, students examine 2 case studies drawn from 2 contexts. They examine the case studies in light of the general questions and associated concepts, arguments and viewpoints found in relevant set texts in Area of Study 1. The contexts are used to help identify a case study that involves epistemological issues. For example, students could explore how social media has been used in election campaigns, which is a case study suggested by one of the following contexts: misinformation, disinformation and echo chambers. Students use the concepts, general questions, arguments and viewpoints from Area of Study 1 to illuminate and explore the epistemological issues relating to the case study.

Two contexts with one case study for each must be selected. The contexts for study are:

silencing, exclusion and cancelling
misinformation, disinformation and echo chambers
truth, trust, credibility and expertise.

Assessment

Outcomes	Assessment Tasks	Marks Allocated
Outcomes	(school-assessed coursework)	Marks Allocated
On completion of this unit, the student should be able to discuss philosophical questions relating to belief, belief formation and justification, and discuss the interrelationship between believing well and living well.	Short and extended response test. An essay.	60
On completion of this unit, the student should be able to discuss case studies in light of epistemological issues associated with belief, belief formation and justification.	Short and extended response test. An essay.	40
Total Marks		100

Overall Final Assessment

Graded Assessment	Title	Assessment	Exam Duration	Contribution to Study Score (%)
1	Unit 3 Coursework	School-assessed		25
2	Unit 4 Coursework	School-assessed		25
3	Written Examination	November	2 hours	50