Philosophy Foundation Provocations

Target Audience and Purpose

This book is ideal for teachers, whether they are P4C trained or just experimenting with philosophy. It will help teachers to present ideas and stimulate discussions which both accommodate and engage adolescent appetites.

Content and Themes

Are human beings flawed? Is murder an act of insanity or just plain thoughtlessness? 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.

Structure and Approach

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.

Topics Covered

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.

Applicability and Resources

Applicable to History, Geography, RS, Science, Art, English, and Citizenship, it offers teachers of all subjects the opportunity to introduce a student-centred approach to their lessons. There is also an extensive bibliography for those who wish to explore the topics in greater depth.

About Provocations

Provocations is a set of philosophy sessions designed for secondary school and predicated on the pedagogical methods of The Philosophy Foundation. These sessions are mature, challenging, and provocative, using history, literature, myth, and the world today as their basis. Each session contains particular pedagogical tips and advice and suggestions as to how they can be effectively delivered.