Philosophy Class!
I am pleased to announce that Johnston Middle School will be offering a Philosophy as an elective class next year! As this
is one of the few Philosophy classes for middle school in the nation, it is exciting that our students will be part of this new
endeavor and will be providing an example for middle school Philosophy in the future.
In the class students will contend with the Seven Great Questions that have shaped our world throughout history from the
Pre-Socratics to Plato to Descartes to Hegel to the present day on topics such as morals, political justice, economic justice,
human nature, science, aesthetics, etc. In the frequent class discussions students will formulate and defend their own ideas
by considering opposing views, and become critical thinkers who question and who supply well thought-out reasons to
support a view.
The class promotes ethical awareness, critical thinking skills, civil discourse, civic engagement, an
appreciation for diverse points of view, and ability to make better reasoned judgments in their lives and for the larger
society in which we live.
As part of the Philosophy class students will consider, discuss, and inquire into important and often controversial “cases,”
scenarios over ethical issues that are supplied by the National High School Ethics Bowl. By nature the cases are
controversial, such as but not limited to, China’s one child policy, genetically modification, compensation for student
athletes, executive salaries for non-profit CEOs, legalization of marijuana, abortion, gender rights, treatment of endangered
species, government collection of private information, physician-assisted suicide, conscientious objection, etc. The cases
require the student to consider views of which they may not agree and do so in a civil manner. By considering opposing
views, students become critical thinkers who question what we ought to do and who supply well thought-out reasons to
support a view.
To insure that each student in the Philosophy class has frequent access to the teacher and has time to voice their views with
other members of the group, the class itself will be limited to no more than twelve students. Students accepted into this
class will be self-motivated to learn and discuss the topics, good listeners, and considerate of views other than their own.
To apply, turn in to Mr. Barber the attached completed “Application and Approval for Admittance to Philosophy Class.” A
copy of the student’s latest report card will also be helpful. Generally speaking, successful applicants will not have
consistently low grades in any class and will not have more than one “P” (poor) or “U” (unsatisfactory) in conduct.
Upon
review of the application potential candidates for the Philosophy class will be notified of an interview time with the
Philosophy teacher, Mr. Barber. Class members will be selected from the interviewees and notified whether or not they
are accepted into the class. Applicants who show traits such as open-mindedness, good listening skills, critical thinking,
self-motivation to learn, asking insightful questions, reflective, and can contribute positively to the group will make the best
candidates for the Philosophy class. If you are interested in applying for the class please fill out, sign, and have your
parent or legal guardian sign the attached “Application and Approval for Admittance to the Philosophy Class.” I look
forward to seeing you in the Philosophy class next year!
Deric Barber
World Cultures, Ethics Bowl,
and Philosophy Teacher