Unit 1 Culminating Activity: A Philosophical Self-Portrait
The central question of this unit is “What is a person?” In this unit, we study 7 specific questions that will lead
you to formulate your own answer to this question. In the process of answering the central question, you will
inevitably come to a greater understanding of your own identity. The culminating activity for this unit asks you
to do just that. You will create a philosophical self-portrait that explains your sense of self. You may present
your findings in a variety of ways, such as: a poem, a video essay, a painting, a short story, or any other
appropriate medium.
When you have completed your philosophical self-portrait, you will present and explain it to the class in a 1015 minute presentation. You will be given some class time to formulate and create your self-portrait. Keep in
mind that your assignment must reflect an analysis of the following seven guiding questions:
The Questions are as follows:
1.
What are the component parts of a person?
2.
What is a self?
3.
Are the mind and the body the same thing or are they separate and distinct?
4.
Is there a soul and, if so, what is it? Can a soul exist after the body has died?
5.
Is a person a part of or separate from their environment?
6.
Can machines and animals be persons?
7.
How do non-Western traditions address these questions?
You must conference with the teacher throughout the unit to ensure that you are meeting the expectations of
the assignment. Read the rubric carefully to ensure that you meet all of the criteria.
Your piece of work must be accompanied by a 2-3 page write up explaining:
A) Why you selected this method to portray you answer (an introductory paragraph)
B) How your piece of work represents or answers the 7 questions of the unit. (You should have a
paragraph for each question stating in detail what your philosophy is for each question.
Answers must have support, they should relate back to the theories and philosophers discussed in
class. (You can agree with theories or refute theories to make your opinion stronger.)
Culminating Activity: Philosophical Self-Portrait Rubric
Criteria
Knowledge/
Understanding
The philosophical selfportrait demonstrates an
understanding of
concepts, principles, and
theories by:




/10
Thinking/Inquiry The
philosophical selfportrait demonstrates the
use of critical- and
creative-thinking skills
by:



/10
Application

The philosophical selfportrait demonstrates an
ability to transfer
concepts and skills and to
make connections by:

/10
Communication:
The philosophical selfportrait demonstrates an
ability to communicate
information and ideas
with a sense of purpose
and audience by:



/10
Level 4
(80–100%)
addressing all eight of
the questions raised
in the unit
clearly and accurately
explaining
contrasting views on
personhood, both
Western and nonWestern
clearly making
connections between
the issues raised and
the individual
student
presenting ideas in a
highly original and
innovative manner
raising several relevant
philosophical
questions
providing some
analysis or critique
of contrasting
viewpoints on
personhood
selecting visual
images, phrases, or
pieces of music
which accurately
reflect the theme of
personhood
making clear
connections between
the ideas of
personhood and
themselves
making highly
effective use of
colour, space, sound,
or words to capture
the a personal view
point on personhood
always using images
and language
appropriate for the
intended audience
using words or images
to clearly make a
personal statement
which addresses all 7
of the questions
raised







Level 3
(70–79%)
addressing at least six
of the questions
raised in the unit
clearly and with very
few errors,
explaining
contrasting views on
personhood, both
Western and nonWestern
making connections
between the issues
raised and the
individual student
presenting ideas in an
original and
innovative manner
raising some relevant
philosophical
questions
providing some
analysis or critique
of a viewpoint on
personhood

 selecting visual



Level 2
Level 1
(60–69%)
(50–59%)
addressing at least
 addressing at least
four of the questions
three of the
raised in the unit
questions raised in
the unit
explaining, with few
errors, contrasting
 explaining, although
views on personhood
with several errors,
contrasting views on
making at least one
personhood
connection between
the issues raised and
the individual
student

 presenting ideas in a



images, phrases, or
pieces of music
which reflect the
theme of personhood

 making connections
between the ideas of
personhood and
themselves
clear and organized
manner with limited
originality
raising a few relevant
philosophical
questions
providing limited
analysis of a
viewpoint on
personhood
selecting visual
images, phrases, or
pieces of music
which reflect the
theme of personhood
making limited
connections between
the ideas of
personhood and
themselves

 presenting ideas with
limited originality
and with little
creativity
 raising only two or less
philosophical
questions

 selecting visual
images, phrases, or
pieces of music
which reflect the
theme of personhood
 making little or no
connection to the
individual
 making effective use of
 making adequate use
 making limited use of
colour, space, sound,
or words to capture
the a personal view
point on personhood
 often using images and
language appropriate
for the intended
audience
 using words or images
to make a personal
statement which
addresses six of the
questions raised
of colour, space,
sound, or words to
capture the a
personal view point
on personhood
 occasionally using
images and language
appropriate for the
intended audience
 using words or images
to make a personal
statement which
addresses four of the
questions raised
colour, space, sound,
or words to capture
the a personal view
point on personhood
 seldom using images
and language
appropriate for the
intended audience
 does not effectively
use words or images
to make a personal
statement