High School Philosophy Homeschool Curriculum
Most high school philosophy is history of ideas. Ours does philosophy: wrestling with hard questions, constructing arguments, and developing the clear thinking that matters in any field.
About high school learners
High school philosophy develops rigorous thinkers who can construct and evaluate arguments, examine ethical questions systematically, and engage with the deepest questions humans face. This mental training prepares for college, careers, and thoughtful citizenship.
- Ready for sophisticated analysis
- Can engage with complex texts
- Forming lasting worldviews
- College preparation value
Learning objectives
- Master logical analysis
- Engage with major philosophical traditions
- Develop rigorous ethical reasoning
- Write philosophical arguments clearly
- Prepare for college-level philosophy
Before and after high school philosophy
Before starting:
- Strong reading skills
- Interest in ideas
- Willingness to think hard
- Patience with difficulty
Previous grade in this subject: 9th grade philosophy
Sample high school philosophy assignment
Student interest: logic and argumentation
Analyze a current political or social debate. Identify the arguments on each side, evaluate their logical structure, identify fallacies, and construct the strongest possible version of each position.
What good work shows: Student develops rigorous analytical skills. Can evaluate arguments fairly and construct them effectively. Becomes better thinker in any domain.
Sample projects and deliverables
Philosophical Paper
Good fit for: philosophical writing
Write a rigorous philosophical paper defending a position. Construct arguments, address objections, engage with sources. College-level philosophical writing.
Skills used: Argument construction, Objection handling, Philosophical writing, Source engagement
Deliverable: Philosophical paper + argument map + revision history
Applied Ethics Project
Good fit for: applied ethics
Apply philosophical ethics to a real-world issue. Analyze the question, apply frameworks, develop recommendations. Philosophy meeting reality.
Skills used: Applied ethics, Framework application, Practical recommendations, Stakeholder analysis
Deliverable: Applied ethics analysis + recommendations + presentation
Philosophy Tutorial
Good fit for: teaching philosophy
Create educational content explaining philosophical concepts. Teaching deepens understanding. Make philosophy accessible to others.
Skills used: Core concepts, Clear explanation, Example creation, Accessibility
Deliverable: Educational content + explanations + feedback and revision
Same skills, different topics
Deep philosophical investigation.
- Political Philosophy: Justice and society → theories of justice → Rawls vs. Nozick → applying competing theories to specific policy questions
- Philosophy of Science: Nature of knowledge → scientific method → falsification → examining specific scientific controversies philosophically
- Existentialism: Meaning and existence → existentialist thought → freedom and responsibility → applying existentialist frameworks to personal choices
- Philosophy of Technology: Technology and society → AI ethics → machine ethics → designing ethical frameworks for autonomous systems
Where high school students get stuck
- Reading difficult texts
- Constructing rigorous arguments
- Accepting philosophical uncertainty
- Writing clearly about complex ideas
Teaching Approach for High School
Progressive development through major areas of philosophy. Read primary sources. Develop writing and argument skills. Engage with historical and contemporary debates. Create thinkers, not just students.