Time Alloted
Standard Level (SL) – 1.45 hours
Higher Level (HL) – 2.30 hours
Psychology SL and HL
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What is IB DP Philosophy? Why Study it?
The IBDP Philosophy course is a rigorous exploration of fundamental and abstract questions that have intrigued humanity for centuries. It encourages students to engage with complex ideas, such as the nature of existence, morality, and knowledge. The course aims to develop students’ critical thinking skills, their ability to construct coherent arguments, and their understanding of diverse philosophical perspectives. By studying philosophy, students learn to question assumptions, evaluate different viewpoints, and articulate their own ideas clearly. This course is ideal for students who enjoy deep intellectual inquiry and are curious about the world and their place in it.
Your track record in the Psychology SL and HL course is one of the key factors that will determine your college acceptances. Work with certified Psychology SL and HL Examiners to get that 7/7.
Speak to an advisor todayIB DP Philosophy Syllabus: Topics + Overview
The Philosophy course is structured around three main components: the core theme, optional themes, and the study of a prescribed philosophical text. Higher Level (HL) students also engage in an additional exploration of contemporary issues through the HL extension topic. The course is designed to provide both breadth and depth, allowing students to explore a wide range of philosophical ideas while also developing expertise in specific areas of interest.
Topic
Included in both SL and HL
Only HL
Core Theme: Being Human
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
This compulsory theme explores the fundamental question of what it is to be human. This exploration takes place through a discussion of key concepts such as identity, freedom, human nature, personhood, the self and the other and mind and body.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Option 1: Aesthetics
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
The nature of art, the artist and the artistic process, aesthetic experience and judgement.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Option 2: Epistemology
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Nature of knowledge, problems of knowledge and application of knowledge.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Option 3: Ethics
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Normative ethics, meta-ethics, and applied ethics.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Option 4: Philosophy and Contemporary Society
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Multiculturalism, liberty and rights, and technology and media.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Option 5: Philosophy of Religion
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Nature and existence of God, religious language, and religious experience and behavior.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Option 6: Philosophy of Science
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Nature and methodologies of science, science and the self, and science and society.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Option 7: Political Philosophy
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Civil society, the state and government, justice, and rights.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Philosophy and Contemporary Issues - Extension Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Sub-topics
This aspect of the course focuses on the fundamental question of what philosophy is and how we do it. Discussions of the nature, function, meaning and methodology of philosophy can be introduced by asking students to reflect on their own experiences of philosophical activity in other areas of the course.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours
Core Theme: Being Human
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
This compulsory theme explores the fundamental question of what it is to be human. This exploration takes place through a discussion of key concepts such as identity, freedom, human nature, personhood, the self and the other and mind and body.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Option 1: Aesthetics
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
The nature of art, the artist and the artistic process, aesthetic experience and judgement.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Option 2: Epistemology
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Nature of knowledge, problems of knowledge and application of knowledge.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Option 3: Ethics
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Normative ethics, meta-ethics, and applied ethics.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Option 4: Philosophy and Contemporary Society
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Multiculturalism, liberty and rights, and technology and media.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Option 5: Philosophy of Religion
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Nature and existence of God, religious language, and religious experience and behavior.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Option 6: Philosophy of Science
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Nature and methodologies of science, science and the self, and science and society.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Option 7: Political Philosophy
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Civil society, the state and government, justice, and rights.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours (SL) / 90 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Philosophy and Contemporary Issues - Extension Topic
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Only HL
Sub-topics
This aspect of the course focuses on the fundamental question of what philosophy is and how we do it. Discussions of the nature, function, meaning and methodology of philosophy can be introduced by asking students to reflect on their own experiences of philosophical activity in other areas of the course.
Recommended Learning: 45 Hours
Download full sub-topic list for the IB DP Math AI SL and HL
Download SyllabusIB DP Philosophy Exams and Past Papers: Overview
Paper 1
For both SL and HL
50% of SL Final Exam Grade
40% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Personal identity
Evaluate the claim that personal identity is shaped more by societal expectations than by individual choice.
Paper 2
For both SL and HL
25% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Plato's distinction
Discuss the viability of Plato's distinction between knowledge and belief as presented in The Republic.
Paper 3
Only HL
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Ethical implications
Analyze the ethical implications of artificial intelligence as discussed in the provided text.
Internal Assessment
For both SL and HL
25% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Topic
Philosophical reflections on freedom as depicted in the painting Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperIs IB DP Philosophy Difficult?
The difficulty of the IBDP Philosophy course depends on the student’s ability to engage with abstract concepts and think critically about complex ideas. The course requires strong analytical skills, as well as the ability to articulate and defend one’s own philosophical positions. Students who enjoy deep intellectual exploration and are comfortable with ambiguity and debate will find this course both challenging and rewarding. The HL course, in particular, demands a high level of intellectual engagement, as it covers a broader range of topics and requires a deeper understanding of philosophical theories. SL is ideal for those who enjoy critical thinking and engaging with abstract concepts but may not have a strong background in philosophy or are balancing other demanding courses. It’s also suitable for students who want to develop their analytical and argumentative skills without the additional commitment required at the Higher Level.
May 2023 Score Distribution
Standard Level
Higher Level
2,685
Number of SL students
1,944
Number of HL students
4.9
SL Mean Score
5.0
HL Mean Score
Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Engage Deeply with Texts
"Reading and analyzing philosophical texts is crucial for developing a nuanced understanding of key ideas. Engage deeply with the prescribed text to enhance your ability to critically evaluate arguments."
Choose an Interesting IA Topic
"Select a topic for your Internal Assessment that genuinely interests you. The more passionate you are about the subject, the more insightful and engaging your analysis will be."
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