Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Origin of Philosophy

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The objective stage is essential for establishing a clear foundation of what is expected to be achieved in the class. By defining specific objectives, the teacher guides the students in understanding the essential topics about the origin of philosophy, allowing them to focus on their prior studies and actively participate in classroom activities. Additionally, this section helps align expectations and learning assessment during the class.

Main Objectives:

1. Explore the origin of philosophy in ancient Greece, identifying the main philosophers and their contributions to Western thought.

2. Analyze how early Greek philosophical concepts evolved and influenced other areas of knowledge and cultures.

Side Objectives:

1. Develop critical analysis and argumentation skills by comparing different philosophical schools.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction serves to engage students with the content they studied at home, using problem situations that make them think critically about how philosophical concepts apply to real and imaginary contexts. Moreover, contextualization helps establish the importance of these concepts in history and the development of Western thought, motivating students to see philosophy not as an abstract subject, but as a relevant tool for understanding the world around them.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Suppose you are an inhabitant of the ancient city-state of Athens during the classical period. How could the philosophical ideals of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle influence your daily decisions and the structure of your local government?

2. Imagine a traveler from the future arrives in ancient Greece and tries to introduce modern philosophical concepts, such as existentialism. How would this be received by classical Greek philosophers, and how could it change the course of the history of philosophy?

Contextualization

Philosophy was born in ancient Greece as a response to various fundamental questions about the world, life, and human existence. This birth was not isolated but occurred in a context of intense cultural, political, and intellectual activity that flourished in the Greek city-states. Interestingly, these early philosophers not only discussed theoretical issues, but their ideas had a real impact on the politics, arts, and ethics of the time. For example, the Socratic method of questioning profoundly influenced pedagogy and debate, and Plato's theories about the ideal state are still studied in political theory.

Development

Duration: (70 - 75 minutes)

The development stage is designed to allow students to practically and creatively apply the philosophical concepts and methods studied at home. Through the suggested activities, students will have the opportunity to explore historical scenarios, ethical and political dilemmas, and timeless issues, utilizing critical thinking and argumentation to solve problems and formulate responses. This method not only reinforces theoretical learning but also develops communication and teamwork skills.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - The Council of Philosophers

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore the practical application of philosophical concepts in real situations and understand how different philosophers would approach ethical and political dilemmas.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to 5 people, each representing different philosophers from ancient Greece (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, etc.). Each group will receive an ethical or political problem from antiquity, such as justice in the trial of Socrates or the formulation of fair laws in Athens. They will need to discuss and propose solutions based on the teachings and methods of their respective philosophers.

- Instructions:

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

• Provide each group with an ethical or political scenario based on events from ancient Greece.

• Students must discuss the problem, applying the philosophical principles of their philosopher.

• Each group should prepare a brief presentation of their proposed solutions.

• Hold a debate among the groups, allowing each one to defend its perspective.

Activity 2 - The Philosophers' Time Travel

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Stimulate students' creativity and understanding of the timelessness and relevance of Greek philosophical concepts in contemporary society.

- Description: Students, in groups, create a dialogue between an ancient Greek philosopher and a historical or fictional character from modern times. This dialogue should explore how ancient philosophical concepts could be applied or questioned in today's world, such as issues of modernity, technology, and equality.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to 5 members.

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

• Groups will develop a dialogue exploring the application of ancient philosophical concepts in the modern world.

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

• There will be a collective discussion about the different perspectives presented.

Activity 3 - Philosophical Drama: The Trial of Socrates

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Experience and understand the process of Socrates' trial and the philosophical methods of argumentation and defense.

- Description: The groups of students will take on different roles in the trial of Socrates, acting as defense attorneys, prosecution, judges, and Socrates himself. They will use arguments based on Plato's works that describe the trial to defend their positions.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups, each taking on a specific role in the trial of Socrates.

• Distribute study material containing excerpts from Plato's works about the trial.

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

• Hold a 'trial' in the classroom, with each group presenting its arguments and answering questions.

• Conclude with a reflection on how philosophy can be used to argue and defend viewpoints.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The aim of this stage is to allow students to articulate and share what they have learned, consolidating their knowledge through discussion with peers. This exchange of ideas helps deepen the understanding of philosophical concepts and to see their applicability in different contexts. Furthermore, this discussion promotes communication and argumentation skills, essential for the study of philosophy.

Group Discussion

At the end of the activities, promote a group discussion with all the students. Ask each group to share the main discoveries and challenges faced during the execution of the tasks. Start the discussion with a brief introduction: 'Now that everyone has had the chance to explore philosophical concepts through different activities, I would like each group to share what surprised or challenged them the most. Let's reflect together on how these concepts can be applied in the modern world.'

Key Questions

1. What were the main philosophical concepts that emerged from your activities, and how do they apply to contemporary dilemmas?

2. How did the application of philosophical methods help resolve the ethical and political dilemmas proposed during the activities?

3. In what way can ancient Greek philosophy influence current thought and practices?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The aim of this stage is to ensure that students have a clear and consolidated understanding of the topics discussed during the lesson, and that they are able to connect the theory studied with the practices carried out. Moreover, it aims to reinforce the relevance of studying philosophy in the intellectual and critical formation of students, preparing them for future applications in various contexts.

Summary

In the conclusion, the teacher should summarize the main points addressed about the origin of philosophy in ancient Greece, highlighting the main philosophers discussed and their significant contributions. It is essential to recap how these ideas shaped Western thought and continue to influence contemporary issues.

Theory Connection

Explain how the practical activities carried out in class, such as 'The Council of Philosophers' and 'The Philosophers' Time Travel', allowed students to connect the theory studied at home with practical and theoretical applications in real and imaginary situations. Highlight how these exercises helped solidify the understanding of philosophical concepts through discussions, debates, and problem-solving.

Closing

Finally, reinforce the importance of ancient Greek philosophy in everyday life, showing how questioning and critical reflection are fundamental for personal development and for a deeper understanding of contemporary ethical, political, and social issues. Encourage students to continue exploring these concepts and applying them in their own lives and studies.