Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Modern and Contemporary 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)

The objectives stage clearly outlines what students are expected to achieve by the end of the lesson. Establishing specific and measurable goals allows students to have a clear roadmap of expectations and assess their own progress. This stage also assists the teacher in selecting appropriate activities and facilitating discussions, ensuring all aspects of the pre-studied content are appropriately addressed and comprehended.

Objective Utama:

1. Explore the evolution of modern and contemporary philosophy, highlighting key thinkers and movements that have shaped Western thought.

2. Equip students to identify and critically analyze the central ideas of modern and contemporary philosophers, linking them to their historical and social backgrounds.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Enhance critical thinking and argumentation skills through the analysis of various philosophical currents.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This introduction phase engages students with the content they've previously studied, prompting them to apply this knowledge in practical and relevant contexts. The problem situations encourage them to think critically and apply concepts to hypothetical or real scenarios, preparing them for deeper class discussions. This contextualization also underscores the importance of studying philosophy, fostering greater interest and awareness about the subject.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine being a 17th-century philosopher who needs to reconcile the growing influence of science with faith. How would you argue about reality and the existence of God?

2. Consider a current ethical dilemma like the role of artificial intelligence in key decision-making processes. How might different modern and contemporary philosophers tackle this issue, especially concerning moral autonomy and technology?

Contextualization

Modern and contemporary philosophy is more than just historical study; its discussions and debates continue to influence our understanding of the world today. For instance, John Locke's ideas on contractualism and natural rights significantly inspired the drafting of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, Michel Foucault's theories on power and knowledge are crucial for comprehending today's dynamics of surveillance and social regulation.

Development

Duration: (70 - 80 minutes)

The Development phase allows students to practically engage with and deepen their understanding of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy. Through interactive and stimulating activities, students will explore key philosophers' thoughts, developing skills in argumentation, critical analysis, and creative thinking, while fostering teamwork. This hands-on approach seeks to reinforce learning and ignite students' curiosity and interest in the subject.

Activity Suggestions

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

Activity 1 - The Philosophers' Wheel

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Enhance communication and argumentation skills while deepening knowledge about modern and contemporary philosophers.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to 5, with each group representing a 'traveling philosopher' who must present arguments to different audiences at a philosophical fair. Each group receives an envelope with a letter detailing the historical context and key ideas of a modern or contemporary philosopher. They will craft a 5-minute speech that is informative and persuasive, tailored to the interests of varied audiences, such as college students, scientists, politicians, or religious leaders.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Give each group an envelope containing information about a specific philosopher.

• Each group should read and comprehend the context and ideas of their assigned philosopher.

• Groups will have 30 minutes to prepare a speech suitable for at least three different audiences.

• After the preparation, each group will present their speech, while other groups act as different types of audiences, asking questions or sharing viewpoints.

Activity 2 - The Game of Ideas

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Review and deepen knowledge about modern and contemporary philosophers in an enjoyable and engaging format.

- Description: In this group-based activity, students will participate in a specially designed board game. Each space on the board represents a key idea or concept from a modern or contemporary philosopher. The objective is to move across the board by accurately answering questions relating to the philosopher on that space. The questions will range in difficulty and will cover everything from biographical details to philosophical ideas. The first group to reach the 'final space' and accurately answer a challenging question about the impact of philosophical ideas on the modern world wins.

- Instructions:

• Create a game board with spaces representing different philosophers and their ideas.

• Divide the class into groups and explain the game rules.

• Each group starts on a designated space and rolls a die to advance.

• When landing on a space, the group must respond to a question related to the philosopher represented.

• Correct answers allow the group to continue; incorrect ones mean they lose their turn.

• The first group to reach the 'final space' and answer the last question correctly is the winner.

Activity 3 - Ideas Debate: The Great Meeting of Thinkers

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Promote debate and argumentation skills while deepening understanding of how philosophical ideas apply in today’s world.

- Description: In this debate, each group represents a modern or contemporary philosopher and must defend their ideas at an extensive philosophical meeting. Topics for the debate will be randomly selected, covering ethical, political, scientific, or social issues. Each group will present their stance, followed by a questioning period from the other groups. The aim is not just to defend the ideas of the represented philosopher, but also to illustrate how those ideas can be relevant in contemporary contexts.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups, each representing a modern or contemporary philosopher.

• Randomly draw debate topics and allow time for each group to develop their arguments.

• Conduct the debate, allowing each group to present their perspectives and respond to queries from others.

• Use a timer to ensure every group has equal time to express their views.

• Conclude with a group reflection about how the debated ideas can be applicable in today's scenarios.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This stage helps students articulate and reflect on the knowledge gained through practical activities. Group discussions consolidate learning by verbalizing and validating ideas while fostering the development of critical analysis and argumentative skills. This collective feedback also provides teachers with insights into students' understanding, enabling adjustments in teaching to better cater to students' needs.

Group Discussion

To initiate the group discussion, the teacher should invite each group to share their findings and insights from the activities. It's crucial for the teacher to moderate the discussion to ensure all students can voice their thoughts, with interventions being relevant and respectful. The teacher can also motivate students to connect their learnings to real-life situations or other topics studied in Philosophy. This discussion reinforces their understanding of the content.

Key Questions

1. What were the major challenges your group encountered while explaining the ideas of the philosopher you represented?

2. How can the concepts discussed today be utilized to comprehend or address current issues?

3. Was there any philosophical idea that reshaped your perspective on a particular topic?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The conclusion stage aims to consolidate the knowledge gained during the lesson, linking theoretical content with the practical activities executed. Furthermore, it seeks to reinforce the relevance and applicability of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy in students’ everyday lives, encouraging them to continue reflecting on and questioning the themes discussed. This phase also ensures that all students have grasped the essential points of the lesson and are well-prepared to apply this knowledge in their future academic pursuits.

Summary

In conclusion, the teacher should encapsulate the main themes covered in the lesson, such as the modern and contemporary philosophers studied, their central ideas, and influences. It is important to recap the practical activities, like 'The Philosophers' Wheel,' 'The Game of Ideas,' and 'Ideas Debate,' emphasizing how each contributed to a deeper understanding of the content.

Theory Connection

Throughout the lesson, the connection between theoretical concepts and practical activities was established through interactive engagements that allowed students to apply philosophical ideas in various contexts, from hypothetical situations to real-life debates. This approach not only reinforced learning but also highlighted the relevance of philosophical discussions in navigating contemporary challenges.

Closing

The teacher should stress the importance of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy in daily life, illustrating how philosophical discussions foster individuals that critically analyze and understand their surroundings. This final reflection serves to reiterate the significance of studying philosophy in the holistic education of students.