West High School – IB Philosophy I & II

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

12 The emphasis of the Philosophy course is on “doing” philosophy. It focuses on developing students’ ability to formulate arguments in a sound and purposeful way, and encourages students to develop intellectually independent and creative ways of thinking. A concern with clarity of understanding lies at the core of the philosophy course. This clarity is achieved through critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis of arguments, and the study of philosophical themes and a close reading of philosophical texts. Through this examination of themes and text the philosophy course allows students to explore fundamental questions that people have asked throughout human history. This is an IB elective course.