Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Origin of Philosophy

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

This objectives phase is crucial for establishing a solid foundation of what is expected during the lesson. By setting clear goals, the teacher helps students understand the key topics surrounding the origins of philosophy, enabling them to build on their prior knowledge and engage actively in class activities. Additionally, this section clarifies expectations and assessments of learning throughout the lesson.

Objective Utama:

1. Investigate the beginnings of philosophy in ancient Greece, highlighting the main philosophers and their contributions to Western thought.

2. Examine how early Greek philosophical ideas developed and influenced other fields of knowledge and cultures.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Cultivate critical analysis and debate skills by comparing different philosophical schools of thought.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction aims to connect students with the content they have previously studied by presenting problems that provoke critical thinking about the relevance of philosophical ideas in both real and imagined contexts. It also helps situate the significance of these concepts within history and the evolution of Western philosophy, inspiring students to view philosophy not just as an abstract subject but as a meaningful framework for understanding the world.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine living in ancient Athens during the classical period. How would the philosophical principles of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shape your everyday choices and the governance of your city?

2. Visualise a time traveller arriving in ancient Greece, trying to introduce modern philosophical concepts, like existentialism. How would classical Greek philosophers react, and how might this reshape the path of philosophical history?

Contextualization

Philosophy emerged in ancient Greece as a response to fundamental questions regarding the world, life, and human existence. This development occurred amidst vibrant cultural, political, and intellectual activities thriving in the Greek city-states. These early philosophers didn't just engage in theoretical debates; their ideas significantly influenced politics, arts, and ethics of their time. For instance, the Socratic method of questioning transformed education and debate, while Plato's theories on the ideal state continue to be explored in political studies.

Development

Duration: (70 - 75 minutes)

The development phase allows students to creatively and practically engage with philosophical concepts and methods they learned at home. Through these activities, students will explore historical scenarios, ethical and political challenges, along with timeless questions, using critical thinking and argumentation to find solutions. This method not only cements theoretical knowledge but also nurtures communication and teamwork skills.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - The Philosophers' Council

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore the practical application of philosophical concepts in real-world scenarios and understand the approaches that different philosophers would take towards ethical and political challenges.

- Description: In this activity, students will form groups of up to 5, each group representing a different ancient Greek philosopher (like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, etc.). Each group will tackle an ethical or political problem from their time, such as the justice of Socrates’ trial or the creation of fair laws in Athens. They will discuss and suggest solutions grounded in their philosopher's teachings and methods.

- Instructions:

• Split the class into groups of up to 5 students, each representing a different philosopher.

• Allocate each group an ethical or political scenario based on historical events.

• Students should deliberate the problem using their philosopher's principles.

• Each group needs to prepare a short presentation of their proposed solutions.

• Facilitate a debate among groups, allowing them to defend their viewpoints.

Activity 2 - The Philosophers' Time Travel

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Encourage students’ creativity and help them grasp the enduring relevance of Greek philosophical ideas in today's society.

- Description: In groups, students will create a dialogue between an ancient Greek philosopher and a historical or fictional modern character. This dialogue should examine how ancient philosophical ideas could be relevant or challenged in contemporary issues like modernity, technology, and equality.

- Instructions:

• Organise students into groups of up to 5 members.

• Each group will select an ancient Greek philosopher and a modern character.

• Groups will craft a dialogue exploring the relevance of ancient philosophies in today’s world.

• After preparation, each group will present their dialogue to the class.

• Follow up with a collective discussion on the various perspectives shared.

Activity 3 - Philosophical Drama: The Trial of Socrates

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: To experience and comprehend the trial of Socrates, highlighting the philosophical techniques of reasoning and defence.

- Description: Groups of students will assume different roles in the trial of Socrates, acting as defence attorneys, prosecution, judges, and Socrates himself. They will base their arguments on excerpts from Plato's accounts of the trial.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups, assigning specific roles in Socrates' trial.

• Provide study materials with excerpts from Plato's writings about the trial.

• Groups will have time to prepare their arguments using the provided texts.

• Conduct a 'trial' in the classroom, with groups presenting their arguments and addressing questions.

• Conclude with a reflection on how philosophy can be used for argumentation and advocacy.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This stage aims to enable students to express and share what they've learned, reinforcing their understanding through peer discussions. This exchange of ideas deepens their grasp of philosophical concepts and illustrates their relevance across different contexts. Furthermore, it promotes essential communication and argumentation skills necessary for studying philosophy.

Group Discussion

After completing the activities, host a class discussion. Ask each group to share the main insights and challenges faced during their tasks. Start with a prompt: 'Now that everyone has explored philosophical concepts through various activities, let’s hear what surprised or challenged you the most. How can we reflect on applying these ideas in today’s world?'

Key Questions

1. What key philosophical ideas emerged from your activities, and how do they relate to modern dilemmas?

2. How did employing philosophical methods aid in resolving the ethical and political challenges presented during the activities?

3. In what ways can ancient Greek philosophy shape contemporary thought and practices?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The aim here is to ensure students have a clear and well-rounded understanding of the topics covered in the lesson and can relate the theory with the practical activities conducted. Additionally, it aims to underscore the relevance of philosophy in developing critical thinking and intellectual skills, preparing them for future applications across various contexts.

Summary

To wrap up, the teacher should summarise the key points discussed about the origins of philosophy in ancient Greece, emphasizing the notable philosophers and their lasting contributions. It is important to recap how these ideas have shaped Western thought and continue to affect contemporary issues.

Theory Connection

Explain how practical class activities, such as 'The Philosophers' Council' and 'The Philosophers' Time Travel', facilitated connections between the theory studied at home and real-life applications in both practical and theoretical scenarios. Highlight how these exercises solidified understanding of philosophical concepts through discussions, debates, and problem-solving.

Closing

Finally, reiterate the significance of ancient Greek philosophy in everyday life, showcasing how inquiry and critical reflection are vital for personal growth and a deeper understanding of current ethical, political, and social issues. Encourage students to keep exploring these concepts and applying them in their personal lives and studies.