New
New
Lesson 1 of 6
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Philosophers are people who think deeply about questions of right and wrong.
- Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions of what is good.
- Ethical questions do not have simple answers.
- People who share a worldview may have different views on these questions.
Keywords
Philosophy - the study of knowledge, truth, right and wrong, and the meaning of life
Ethics - part of philosophy; the study of living a good life and what is right and wrong
Principles - basic rules that help people to make good choices
Common misconception
Philosophy is only for older, clever people.
Philosophy is about deep thinking - it is for everyone, including children.
Look for examples of Philosophy for Children (p4c) online to find challenging and interesting questions for class discussions. The Faith and Belief Forum website offers useful material for developing dialogue in the classroom.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
Download quiz pdf
5 Questions
Q1.What does it mean to ask a big question?
What does it mean to ask a big question?
a question that is hard to spell
a question with only one answer
Q2.Why do we need rules in school and in life?
Why do we need rules in school and in life?
so we don’t forget where we live
to make everything more confusing
Q3.What does “right and wrong” usually mean?
What does “right and wrong” usually mean?
directions on a map
the start and end of a story
Q4.Which of these is a thoughtful question?
Which of these is a thoughtful question?
How many pencils do I have?
What is the best colour?
Q5.Can people disagree about what is fair?
Can people disagree about what is fair?
No – fair always means the same thing.
No – the oldest person is always right.
Assessment exit quiz
Download quiz pdf
5 Questions
Q1.Philosophy is about asking questions that help people think clearly.
Philosophy is about asking questions that help people think clearly.
Q2.Ethics are or codes that guide how people behave.
Ethics are or codes that guide how people behave.
Q3.How might a Christian make an ethical decision?
How might a Christian make an ethical decision?
by following rules in a science book
by copying their neighbours’ actions
Q4.What helps humanists make ethical decisions?
What helps humanists make ethical decisions?
rules from a holy book
teachings from ancient philosophers only
Q5.Philosophy is for everyone.
Philosophy is for everyone.
False – it’s only for older, clever people.
False – it’s only taught in universities.