Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

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“Philosophy” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Introduction to Philosophy
1. What is philosophy and how is it related to science or religion?
2. How is philosophy different from science?
3. What is the purpose of philosophy?
4. Can you define philosophy?
5. Why do we study philosophy?
6. What are some examples of philosophical questions?
7. Why do some people think that philosophy has no practical value?

II. Metaphysics
8. Can we know anything for sure, or are we always just guessing about what’s true and what isn’t true about the world around us?
9. How do we know anything at all? Can we trust our senses and perceptions?
10. Is it possible to know everything?
11. Do things exist because they are perceived to exist?
12. What is the relationship between reality and perception?
13. Is the universe infinite or finite?

III. Ethics and Moral Philosophy
14. What is ethics?
15. What is the difference between right and wrong?
16. Are there any rules to love?
17. How should we live our lives? Should we strive for pleasure and comfort, or should we pursue more meaningful goals like helping others?
18. Can a person be good without religion?
19. Are humans inherently good or evil?
20. What is the nature of human identity?
21. Is it possible to be objective about morality?

IV. Free Will and Determinism
22. Is there such thing as free will? If so, what does it mean to say someone has free will versus no free will at all?
23. Are we truly in control of our own lives, or are our choices and actions predetermined?

V. Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
24. What makes a person beautiful?
25. Is beauty objective or subjective?
26. What is the purpose of art?
27. Can art be immoral?

VI. History of Philosophy
28. Who was the first philosopher?
29. Who were the most important philosophers in ancient Greece?
30. What were the main philosophical movements of the 20th century?

VII. Branches of Philosophy
31. What are the most important branches of philosophy?
32. What are some of the biggest problems in philosophy?
33. What are some of the most important questions in philosophy?
34. What is the relationship between philosophy and science?
35. What is the relationship between philosophy and religion?
36. What is the relationship between philosophy and politics?
37. What is the relationship between philosophy and language?

VIII. Applied Philosophy
38. How can philosophy help us solve practical problems?
39. How can philosophy help us make ethical decisions?
40. How can we apply philosophical concepts to improve our personal lives?
41. How can philosophy help us navigate the complexities of modern society?
42. Is there a connection between philosophy and happiness?
43. How can philosophy contribute to personal growth and self-discovery?
44. Do you think it’s possible for someone to disagree with something without having a reason for doing so?
45. Do you believe that a person can be happy without knowing anything about philosophy?
46. Do you think we should teach philosophy in schools? Why or why not?
47. What is the best way to live a happy life?
48. How is philosophy different from religion?
49. Is there a chance we are all just robots?
50. Is it possible to be a philosopher without being an academic?
51. Does philosophy have a definition?
52. What do you think it means to be a philosopher?
53. What does it mean to be a philosopher?
54. What is the meaning of life?
55. Does absence make the heart grow fonder?
56. Can we truly understand the experiences of others?
57. Is it possible to truly understand another culture?
58. Is there a universal morality that all cultures should follow?
59. Can we use philosophy to address contemporary issues such as climate change, social justice, or technological advances?
60. What is the relationship between philosophy and language?

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