Big Questions

Big Questions is a Baby CTY course where students examine how philosophers answer questions. This course is offered at:

First Session Only: San Mateo

Second Session Only:Los Angeles (Loyola Marymount) and Sandy Spring

Both Sessions: Easton

Course Description

From the CTY Summer Catalog:

What is justice? What is beauty? What is the right thing to do? What is real? How can I be sure of what I know? In this philosophy class, students cultivate and refine critical thinking by considering fundamental questions such as these. While the questions in the course pique students' intellectual curiosity, the emphasis is not on the answers, but on the process of rigorously addressing these puzzling issues.

Students explore the methods philosophers use to develop and assess potential solutions. They learn to actively listen to other students, evaluate arguments, formulate their own arguments in a clear manner, and defend their conclusions against objections. Through discussions, activities, readings, and short essays, students develop the analytical-reasoning skills needed to ask challenging questions and be better thinkers across disciplines.

Students must have completed grades: 5 or 6