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Philosopher
Studies fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and the nature of reality.
Did you know?
Diogenes is said to have lived in a large clay jar in Athens and, when Alexander the Great offered him anything, asked him to stand out of his sunlight.
How subjects help
- Philosophy: Ask big questions like what makes an action right, then defend your answer.
- Logic: Break arguments into steps and check that each conclusion truly follows.
- Mathematics: Explore puzzles about infinity and proof that sit between maths and philosophy.
- Literature: Write careful essays that explain difficult ideas clearly to readers.
A famous name
Aristotle: Ancient Greek philosopher who studied under Plato, taught Alexander the Great and wrote on logic and ethics.
Try it yourself: Think through a big question
- Take the question: "Is it ever OK to break a promise?"
- Think of one example where breaking it seems right, and one where it seems wrong.
- What is the difference between them? Try to put it into one rule.
- Now look for an example that breaks your rule. Can you improve it?
- One thing is always true: if anyone asks you to keep a secret that makes you feel worried or unsafe, it is always OK to tell a trusted adult.
Philosophers and ethics advisers test ideas against tricky examples until the reasoning holds up.
Also try: Debug a sandwich robot.
Known for it in
France, Germany, UK, USA, Greece