Syllabus

Homo Sapiens 2.0

Applied Philosophy and Critical Thinking Course

Instructor: Dr. Aram Zaldívar
Level: 7th - 8th Grade
Duration: 17 Weeks (3 sessions per week)

1. Course Description

"Homo Sapiens 2.0" is not a traditional philosophy course, but rather a "thinking laboratory" designed specifically for high-ability students. Through Socratic discussion, thought experiments, and practical projects, students will explore fundamental questions about identity in the digital age, truth, justice, artificial intelligence, and life purpose. The course uses the "Bullet Journaling" system as the primary tool for metacognitive recording and the development of critical and creative thinking skills.

2. Curricular Alignment

National Standards for Gifted Students (NAGC - National Association for Gifted Children)

• Standard 1: Learning and Development. Promotes self-understanding and relationship with others, facilitating affective and cognitive development.
• Standard 3: Curriculum Planning and Instruction. Uses enriched curriculum that fosters complex problem-solving, critical and divergent thinking.
• Standard 4: Learning Environments. Creates a safe environment that encourages intellectual risk-taking, collaboration, and respectful debate.

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) - 7th - 8th Grade (Cross-curricular Connections)

• English (Reading & Communication): 7.1 (Participate in collaborative discussions), 7.2 (Analyze media and messages), 7.6 (Read informational texts).
• English (Writing): 7.7 (Write in a variety of formats - implemented via Bullet Journal), 7.9 (Research).
• Civics & Economics: CE.3 (Citizenship and duties), CE.4 (Qualities of a good citizen, critical thinking about community).

3. Course Objectives

By the end of the semester, students will be able to:

1. Analyze ethical and philosophical dilemmas using critical and logical thinking.
2. Articulate complex arguments both orally (Socratic Dialogue) and in writing (Bullet Journal).
3. Question their own cognitive biases and evaluate the validity of information in digital media.
4. Apply classical philosophical concepts (e.g., Plato, Rawls, Popper, Nozick) to modern problems such as AI, social media, and inequality.

4. Methodology: "The Weekly Mission"

Each week follows this proposed structure designed to maximize engagement:

1. The Hook (5-10 min): Visual provocation, story, or ethical dilemma to start the session.
2. The Hack Session (20 min): Guided Socratic discussion where students deconstruct the problem.
3. The Lab (35 min): Practical activity, simulation, or thought experiment in teams.
4. Journal Closing (10 min): Guided personal reflection using Rapid Logging technique in their Field Journal.

5. Course Phases

• Phase 1: My Identity and the Digital World (Weeks 1-4). Authenticity, metaverse, and the "Self" on social media.
• Phase 2: How Do We Know What Is True? (Weeks 5-7). Epistemology, fake news, biases, and the scientific method.
• Phase 3: Justice, Money, and Luck (Weeks 8-11). Political philosophy, equity, meritocracy, and resource ethics.
• Phase 4: Power, Rebellion, and Purpose (Weeks 12-14). Authority, civil disobedience, and the meaning of existence.
• Phase 5: The Era of AI and the Future (Weeks 15-17). Machine rights, technological ethics, and transhumanism.

6. Evaluation System (XP System)

Evaluation is adaptive and focuses on personal growth and cognitive effort, not memorization.

• 40% - The Field Journal (Bullet Journal): Evaluates the depth of reflection, consistency, and connection with real life. Handwriting or art is not evaluated, but metacognitive effort is.
• 30% - Socratic Participation: Significant contributions in "Labs" and discussions. Values active listening, building on others' ideas, and respectfully challenging premises.
• 30% - Track Projects (Personalized): Final phase projects where the student chooses their format (Tech, Creator, Hacker, Debater).

7. Required Materials

• 1 Dot Grid notebook (Bullet Journal).
• Pens (recommended: Frixion Pen) and markers for visual categorization.
• Willingness to think outside the box.

"An unexamined life is not worth living"
Socrates (Hacked by Homo Sapiens 2.0)