Provocations: Philosophy for Secondary School

This book is ideal for teachers in secondary schools, whether they are trained in philosophy for children or just experimenting with the subject. It will help teachers to present ideas and stimulate discussions which both accommodate and engage adolescent appetites. Are human beings flawed? Is murder an act of insanity or just plain thoughtless? Do we need a soul? From the fall of Icarus to the rise of Caesar this practical book draws upon history, philosophy and literature to provoke students to think, question and wonder. Divided into chapters on The World, Self, Society and Others, this resource for secondary school is written to give teachers the means to listen rather than teach and to allow the ideas and thoughts of students to form the centre of the lesson. It raises questions on the nature of evil, belief in God, slavery, consumerism, utopia, the limits of freedom, and a whole lot more. With a clear introductory outline on its use both in and out of the classroom, Provocations also contains tips and advice to help guide teachers to span the curriculum.
Applicable to history, geography, science, art, English and citizenship it offers teachers of all subjects the opportunity to introduce a student-centered approach to their lessons. There is also an extensive bibliography for those who wish to explore the topics discussed.