European Baccalaureate Philosophy case studies
European Baccalaureate Philosophy · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The European Baccalaureate (Baccalauréat européen, Europäisches Abitur) is the school-leaving qualification of the European Schools and of schools accredited by their Board of Governors. It certifies completion of secondary studies and is officially recognised as an entry qualification for higher education throughout the European Union and in a number of other countries. The European Baccalaureate Philosophy case studies are 5 cases and about 2,752 words.
1The misread question in a written examination
During the second of the five written examinations in Philosophy, candidates choose one essay from four. The chosen question reads: 'To what extent does utilitarianism provide a satisfactory basis for resolving conflicts between individual rights and the common good?' One candidate writes 950 words arguing that utilitarianism is unsatisfactory because it ignores intentions and moral desert.
522 words, about 3 min2The rehearsed oral answer
Third oral examination: the candidate presents for eight minutes on 'Is consciousness reducible to brain processes?' and then answers questions for seven. The presentation is polished: it defines physicalism, cites Nagel's 'what it is like' phrase, and concludes that consciousness is not reducible.
548 words, about 3 min3The A/B gap at preliminary marking
At the end of the two-year course the philosophy department calculates preliminary marks. Student M has an A-mark average of 8.7/10 from six formative tasks: two essays, two seminar presentations, a debate, and a written commentary.
555 words, about 3 min4The misattributed quotation in a written examination
In the fourth written examination, candidates answer: 'Does the soul survive death? Discuss with reference to Plato and Aristotle.' One candidate writes a strong essay distinguishing Plato's dualism from Aristotle's hylomorphism, but quotes 'the soul is the entelechy of a body that has life potentially' and attributes it to Plato.
579 words, about 3 min5Dominance in a group oral examination
Second oral examination: a 20-minute group discussion on 'Is civil disobedience compatible with democracy?' Four candidates, one assessor. Candidate A speaks for about 12 of the 20 minutes, interrupts Candidate B twice, and makes two strong points: that civil disobedience addresses a defect in majority rule, and that it must be public and non-violent.
548 words, about 3 min