aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Phylosophy
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	The human existence
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Beginning a Philosophy Lesson: The Human Existence

Introduction

As we dive into the complex and often perplexing topic of human existence, it is essential to engage your minds and spark curiosity. Today, I invite you to embark on a thought-provoking journey that challenges not just what it means to be human, but also our understanding of reality, purpose, and the universe itself.

---

Thought Experiment: The "Trolley Problem"

Scenario

Let’s start our lesson with a simple yet profound thought experiment known as the Trolley Problem. Imagine a trolley is racing down a track towards five people who are tied up and unable to move. You stand by a lever that can divert the trolley onto another track, but doing so will result in the death of one person who is tied up on this alternate track.

Questions for Reflection

• Would you pull the lever to save the five people at the expense of one?
• How does your decision reflect your beliefs about human life and morality?
• What does this scenario reveal about the nature of existence and our responsibilities towards others?

---

Group Discussion

After reflecting on the Trolley Problem, let’s break into small groups to discuss your thoughts and decisions. Each group will explore the following questions:

1. Ethical Implications: What ethical frameworks influence your decision-making in this scenario?
2. Human Value: How does this exercise challenge our understanding of individual worth in relation to the greater good?
3. Existential Reflection: What insights can you draw about human existence from this dilemma?

---

Transitioning to the Lesson

As we gather insights from our discussions, we’ll transition into exploring various philosophical perspectives on human existence. We'll look at existentialism, utilitarianism, and other philosophies to understand the deeper implications of what it means to be human in a world filled with moral ambiguity.

Let’s take a moment to think about how each philosophical lens offers a different view on our moral responsibilities to ourselves and others.

---

Conclusion

Through the exploration of this thought experiment and our subsequent discussions, we will begin to unravel the intricate tapestry of human existence, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the philosophical questions that have shaped humanity’s journey through time. So, let’s embark on this intellectual adventure together and see where it takes us!

---

Remember, philosophy is not about finding the right answers but engaging in the questions that make us human.