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Individuals and Societies

IB Philosophy Course Overview and Benefits SL

The only IB-approved online course provider

About the course

Admissions process

Number of units

15

Number of lessons

164

Duration

2 years

Level

Standard


Overview

IB Philosophy SL, part of the IB Diploma Programme’s Group 3: Individuals and Societies, invites students to explore some of the most enduring questions of human existence. What does it mean to be human? How can we know what is right or just? 

The course develops students’ ability to think systematically, evaluate arguments and communicate ideas with clarity. Students engage with philosophical themes across history and cultures, while also considering contemporary issues such as ethics, identity and the challenges of global interaction. 

Studied online with Pamoja, IB Philosophy SL combines academic rigour with flexibility. Students are guided by expert IB teachers and collaborate with peers worldwide, building the critical thinking, reflection and communication skills valued in higher education and beyond.  


Advice from our teachers

In order to succeed in IB Philosophy SL, we recommend students set aside five to six hours a week.   

*Please note, that all courses offered are subject to receiving a minimum enrolment number. Your Pamoja point of contact will be in touch as we approach the start date if we are unable to take a course forward.


Course structure

The course covers the following topics: 

Year 1: 

  • Course Overview
  • Introduction to Philosophy
  • Fundamentals of Ethics
  • Moral Theories: Consequentialist
  • Moral Theories: Deontological
  • Introduction to The Republic
  • Plato’s theory of knowledge
  • Political philosophy
  • Plato’s Influence
  • End of year exam 

Year 2:

  • Are humans special?
  • What are we made of?
  • Theories on the self
  • Trial exam
  • Freedom and determinism
  • Revision  

Benefits of the course

Taking IB Philosophy SL online will enable students to:

A smiling young man in a yellow shirt and headphones works on a laptop at a bright office desk with an apple and coffee, representing online learning for philosophy.

Why online?

Students will have the opportunity to:
  • Study alongside students from around the world.
  • Exchange ideas with people from very different philosophical backgrounds.
  • Access source material in a variety of media.
  • Access a structured learning environment that provides flexibility and support in equal measure.  

Some things won’t be different though. Standards and expectations will be just as high as in a face to face classroom.

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Activities and assessment

Activities include watching videos, reading notes, independent research, listening to podcasts by leading philosophers, writing personal reflections, essay writing, analysing and evaluating texts, external websites, or online discussions with classmates. Students take quizzes and carry out activities for authentic examination preparation.