A Philosophical Inquiry

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is tailored to engage students in introspective and analytical thinking about the concept of human nature. It begins by inviting the learner to express their own thoughts on the topic, which serves as a starting point for self-reflection and personal understanding. By articulating their views, students begin to actively participate in the process of philosophical inquiry. The exercise sets the stage for a deeper exploration of personal beliefs and encourages students to articulate these often complex and abstract ideas in a structured way.

Building on the initial statement, the worksheet prompts students to identify and examine the assumptions underlying their views on human nature. It asks for at least three assumptions to be listed, which encourages a level of self-examination that is critical for understanding how our beliefs are formed. The final question challenges students to consider the robustness of their claims by asking how their position would change if their underlying assumptions were proven wrong. This part of the exercise fosters adaptability in thinking and helps students develop the ability to reassess their beliefs in the light of new information, a key aspect of critical thinking.