Philosophy Notes

Extended Essay

  • General Information

    • Extended Essay (EE) is matched with your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) mark to determine bonus points.
    • Matrix for bonus points:
      • A in EE, A in TOK = 3 points
      • B in EE, A in TOK = 3 points
      • A in EE, B in TOK = 3 points
      • B in EE, B in TOK = 2 points
      • B in EE, C in TOK = 2 points
      • C in EE, B in TOK = 2 points
      • C in EE, C in TOK = 1 point
      • C in EE, D in TOK = 1 point
      • D in EE, C in TOK = 1 point
      • E in either TOK or EE results in failing conditions.

  • EE in Philosophy

    • Offers the freedom to explore any philosophical topic of interest.
    • Research involves reading philosophers' arguments and positions, taking notes, and developing your own critical analysis.
    • Expected reading is approximately 200 pages, consisting of articles around 20-25 pages each.
    • Focus on critiquing two to three main philosophical positions.
    • Develop an argument within the 4,000-word limit over about eight months.

  • Advantages of Doing an EE in Philosophy

    • Develops research and academic writing skills.
    • Topic can evolve and be refined with supervisor guidance.
    • Supervisors provide guidance, resources, and feedback on drafts.
    • Students become experts in their chosen topic.

  • Supervisor Role:

    • Point you in the right direction
    • Help with resources
    • Make suggestions about your drafts
    • Discuss ideas

  • EE supervisors in philosophy:

    • Mr. Sutar
    • Yourself

  • EE Subject Guide

    • Will brief you on assesment criteria
    • Help you prepare

  • Grading in Philosophy

    • Possible to get an A and therefore get full marks with a B in TOK
    • More common to get an A in philosophy than TOK

  • EE and other High Level courses:

    • Not so much the content, but the conceptual area of political philosophy.
    • The republic complements higher level, studying the republic complements higher level.

  • HL Extension

    • New task: Investigating the role of philosophy in the contemporary world.
    • Focus on environmental philosophy and philosophy and technology.
    • Optional theme: Political philosophy

Substance Dualism

  • Concerns about Descartes' Argument

    • The problem of interaction: How do the non-physical mind and physical body interact?
      • pineal gland is one solution.
      • God is another solution.
    • Credible explanations for thought as a purely physical process exist.
    • Solipsism: The belief that only one's own mind is sure to exist.

  • Solipsism and Substance Dualism

    • Solipsism aligns with substance dualism by questioning the existence and consciousness of others.
    • Ontological question: Questions the nature of the mind and whether it can be conclusively proven as non-physical.

  • Concerns with Solipsism

    • Can lead to a negative and isolated way of life.
    • Associated with mental health issues like depression.
    • Philosophical dead end: Eliminates ethics and interesting philosophical questions.
    • Goes against the intuition that others are individuals and conscious beings.

Exam Preparation

  • Exam Structure

    • Two-hour exam with five minutes of reading time.
    • Section A: Non-philosophical stimulus (picture, cartoon, quotation) requiring identification and analysis of a philosophical issue. (30 marks)
    • Section B: Methods test on material from chapters 1-2 of a textbook, focusing on specific dot points.(30 marks)

  • Section A Details

    • Similar to the Internal Assessment (IA) task.
    • Stimulus relates to core theme topics (philosophy of love, no self, identity).

  • Section B Details

    • Four questions, multi-part.
    • Similar to format to argument tests.
    • Focus on logic and reasoning methods.

  • Exam excludes

    • Mind body.
    • Core text.

Qualia and AI

  • Qualia Defined

    • Subjective experience of something. The "what it is like" aspect of an experience.
    • Example: Mary, the scientist who knows everything about color but has never seen it.

  • Application to AI

    • Raises the question of whether AI can truly be conscious without having subjective experiences (qualia).

  • Consciousness in AI

    • Current AI is assumed to lack consciousness.
    • Question: Under what conditions can AI be considered conscious?
    • Do they need the experience of what it is like to know all of these things?
    • Does AI need a body and sensory input to qualify as a person?

  • Linking to Memory

    • One view: consciousness links past memories to the present.

  • Ethical Considerations

    • If AI had a certain view of something and it was the most powerful AI in the world, it would definitely cause concern.
    • Potential ethical concerns about granting subjective experience to a powerful AI.