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The Odyssey of Selecting a Stellar IB Philosophy Extended Essay Topic

philosophy extended essay topics

Greetings, young scholars of the International Baccalaureate Course! It is I, your experienced and well-versed IB tutor specializing in the dazzling realm of philosophy. 

Today, we shall walk through the labyrinth of selecting an appropriate Philosophy IB Extended Essay Topic. 

Fear not, my intellectually insatiable International Baccalaureate students, for I have returned to bestow upon you another collection of 20 Philosophy IB Extended Essay topics that follow the IB criteria and extended essay rubric

List of Philosophy Extended Essay Topic Ideas

Behold, the treasure trove of philosophical inquiries, complete with detailed explanations on how to utilize these topics to create a masterpiece of an extended essay.

The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence

Scrutinize the moral dimensions of AI and machine learning, evaluating the responsibilities and consequences of their development.

How to use: Investigate the ethical theories and principles that can be applied to the development of AI technology, addressing potential benefits and drawbacks.

The Philosophy of Language: Exploring Linguistic Relativity

Delve into the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and assess its impact on our understanding of human thought and communication.

How to use: Analyze the arguments for and against linguistic relativity, incorporating relevant philosophical theories and linguistic studies to support your position.

The Mind-Body Problem: Examining Dualism and Materialism

Explore the age-old philosophical debate surrounding the relationship between mind and body, and the nature of consciousness.

How to use: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of dualism and materialism, examining their implications for our understanding of consciousness and personal identity.

Free Will vs. Determinism: The Eternal Debate

Investigate the opposing philosophical views on the nature of human freedom and the extent to which our actions are pre-determined.

How to use: Analyze the arguments supporting both free will and determinism, evaluating their implications on moral responsibility and human agency.

The Ethics of Euthanasia: A Delicate Balance

Examine the moral complexities of euthanasia, considering the various arguments for and against its practice.

How to use: Evaluate the ethical theories that inform the debate on euthanasia, discussing the implications of these positions on medical practice and patient autonomy.

The Epistemological Conundrum: Skepticism vs. Certainty

philosophy IB EE topics

Delve into the philosophical debate surrounding our capacity for knowledge and the limits of certainty.

How to use: Analyze the arguments of skepticism and certainty, considering the implications of each stance on our understanding of knowledge and truth.

The Philosophy of Religion: Faith and Reason

Explore the relationship between faith and reason, assessing the compatibility of religious belief with rational inquiry.

How to use: Examine the arguments for and against the compatibility of faith and reason, incorporating relevant philosophical and theological perspectives.

The Ethics of Capitalism: A Philosophical Evaluation

Investigate the moral dimensions of capitalism, assessing its merits and shortcomings from a philosophical standpoint.

How to use: Evaluate the ethical theories that can be applied to capitalism, discussing the implications of these positions on economic policy and social justice.

The Phenomenon of Moral Luck: A Philosophical Inquiry

Examine the concept of moral luck and its implications for our understanding of moral responsibility and ethics.

How to use: Analyze the arguments surrounding moral luck, discussing the implications of this concept on our understanding of moral responsibility and the nature of ethics.

The Philosophy of Happiness: Pursuit, Perception, and Paradox

Investigate the philosophical dimensions of happiness, examining the various theories on the nature and pursuit of well-being.

How to use: Explore the different philosophical perspectives on happiness, evaluating their implications for our understanding of human flourishing and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

The Paradox of Hedonism: A Philosophical Examination

Investigate the conundrum of pleasure-seeking and its implications for our understanding of human fulfillment and well-being.

How to use: Analyze the arguments surrounding hedonism, examining the paradoxical nature of pleasure-seeking and its impact on our pursuit of happiness.

The Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Playing God or Benefiting Humanity?

Explore the moral complexities of genetic engineering, considering the various arguments for and against its use.

How to use: Evaluate the ethical theories that inform the debate on genetic engineering, discussing the implications of these positions on scientific progress and human welfare.

The Philosophical Implications of Multiverse Theory

Delve into the mind-bending implications of the multiverse hypothesis and its impact on our understanding of reality and the nature of existence.

How to use: Investigate the philosophical ramifications of multiverse theory, incorporating relevant scientific and philosophical perspectives.

The Philosophy of Education: Examining Pedagogical Paradigms

Investigate the various philosophical perspectives on education and their implications for teaching methods and learning outcomes.

How to use: Analyze the different philosophical theories of education, evaluating their impact on pedagogical practices and educational policy.

The Ethics of Privacy: Balancing Individual Rights and Societal Interests

extended essay topics on philosophy

Examine the moral dimensions of privacy, considering the various arguments for and against its protection.

How to use: Evaluate the ethical theories that inform the debate on privacy, discussing the implications of these positions on individual rights and societal interests.

The Philosophy of Art: Beauty, Meaning, and Aesthetics

Investigate the philosophical dimensions of art, examining the various theories on the nature and purpose of artistic expression.

How to use: Explore the different philosophical perspectives on art, evaluating their implications for our understanding of beauty, meaning, and aesthetic experience.

The Ethics of War: Just War Theory and Beyond

Examine the moral complexities of warfare, considering the various arguments for and against the use of military force.

How to use: Evaluate the ethical theories that inform the debate on war, discussing the implications of these positions on international relations and conflict resolution.

The Philosophy of Gender: Deconstructing Binary Categories

Investigate the philosophical underpinnings of gender, examining the various theories on its nature and social construction.

How to use: Analyze the different philosophical perspectives on gender, evaluating their implications for our understanding of identity, social norms, and inequality.

The Ethics of Environmentalism: Balancing Human Needs and Ecological Preservation

Explore the moral dimensions of environmentalism, considering the various arguments for and against prioritizing ecological conservation.

How to use: Evaluate the ethical theories that inform the debate on environmentalism, discussing the implications of these positions on resource use, sustainability, and intergenerational equity.

The Philosophy of Love: Eros, Agape, and Philia

Investigate the philosophical dimensions of love, examining the various theories on the nature and purpose of this complex emotion.

How to use: Explore the different philosophical perspectives on love, evaluating their implications for our understanding of human relationships, affection, and social cohesion.

So, there you have it, my prodigious progeny of philosophical prowess – 20 tantalizing topics to ignite your

How to select an appropriate Philosophy EE topic?

Now, you may ask, “Oh, wise and whimsical IB tutor, why is it of utmost importance to select an appropriate topic for our Philosophy IB Extended Essay?” 

Well, my curious proteges, the answer lies within the very essence of your scholarly pursuits

A well-chosen topic not only piques your interest and fuels your intellectual curiosity, but it also serves as the foundation upon which you will construct your academic edifice. 

A poorly chosen topic, on the other hand, may lead to a catastrophic collapse of your philosophical temple, burying you in the rubble of despair and confusion.

Yes, it might sound simple, but there is literally nothing else to add here 😉

Ready to start with your IB EE?

As we reach the denouement of our epic saga, allow me to impart some final pearls of wisdom in a fittingly funny, philosophical manner. Remember, young philosophers, if you have selected philosophy extended essay subject, pursuing knowledge is like attempting to catch a slippery fish with your bare hands – it may elude you, leaving you wet and cold, but the thrill of the chase makes it worthwhile. 

In the immortal words of the great philosopher and comedian Groucho Marx: 

“These are my principles, and if you don’t like them…well, I have others.” 

Do not be afraid to change your perspective, as true wisdom lies in adapting and learning from new experiences.

And now, dear scholars, our journey has come to an end. But fear not, for if you find yourself in dire need of assistance on this perilous path towards crafting the perfect Philosophy IB Extended Essay, I offer my expert services, along with my esteemed colleagues at Extended Essay Writers, to guide you through the darkness and into the light of intellectual triumph.

Need help with your Philosophy extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the wordcount and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for Music studies.

So, bid farewell to your fears and uncertainties, and step boldly into the realm of philosophy, where questions abound and answers are as elusive as the meaning of life itself. Yes, writing extended essay takes time, but this time is truely worth it. Am I right?

And remember, in the words of the great Socrates, 

“I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.”

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