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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what is meant by ethics.

      Key learning points

      1. Philosophers are people who think deeply about questions of right and wrong.
      2. Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions of what is good.
      3. Ethical questions do not have simple answers.
      4. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What does it mean to ask a big question?

      a question that is hard to spell
      a question with only one answer
      Correct answer: a question that makes you think deeply

      Q2.
      Why do we need rules in school and in life?

      Correct answer: to help people stay safe and be fair
      so we don’t forget where we live
      to make everything more confusing

      Q3.
      What does “right and wrong” usually mean?

      directions on a map
      Correct answer: choices about how we act
      the start and end of a story

      Q4.
      Which of these is a thoughtful question?

      How many pencils do I have?
      What is the best colour?
      Correct answer: What does it mean to be kind?

      Q5.
      Can people disagree about what is fair?

      Correct answer: Yes – people might see fairness differently.
      No – fair always means the same thing.
      No – the oldest person is always right.

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Philosophy is about asking questions that help people think clearly.

      Correct Answer: deep, Deep

      Q2.
      Ethics are or codes that guide how people behave.

      Correct Answer: rules, Rules

      Q3.
      How might a Christian make an ethical decision?

      by following rules in a science book
      Correct answer: by using Jesus’ teaching to love God and others
      by copying their neighbours’ actions

      Q4.
      What helps humanists make ethical decisions?

      rules from a holy book
      teachings from ancient philosophers only
      Correct answer: thinking about how they would like to be treated themselves

      Q5.
      Philosophy is for everyone.

      Correct answer: True – it’s about deep thinking that anyone can do.
      False – it’s only for older, clever people.
      False – it’s only taught in universities.

      To help you plan your 6 religious education lesson on: Ethics and values, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...