Case Study Practical Drills | 案例分析实战演练

📚 Case Study Practical Drills | 案例分析实战演练

Welcome to the exciting world of philosophical case studies! In this revision guide, we will explore how to analyse real-life (and imaginary) dilemmas using philosophical thinking. By practising with vivid examples, you will sharpen your reasoning skills and learn to ask deeper questions. Philosophy is not just about big ideas; it is about applying those ideas to understand the world around us. Let’s dive into some practical drills.

欢迎来到哲学案例分析的精彩世界！在本复习指南中，我们将探索如何运用哲学思维分析现实（和虚构）困境。通过生动的案例练习，你将磨炼推理能力，学会提出更深刻的问题。哲学不仅仅是关于宏大的思想，更是将这些思想应用于理解我们周围的世界。让我们开始实战演练吧。

1. What is Case Study Analysis? | 什么是案例分析？

A case study is a detailed story or scenario that presents a problem, dilemma, or situation. In philosophy, we use case studies to test our values, principles, and logical thinking. Instead of just memorising theories, you get to apply them. For example, imagine a scenario where someone must decide whether to tell a painful truth or a comforting lie. Analysing this case helps you explore concepts like honesty, kindness, and consequences.

案例研究是一个详细的故事或场景，展示了一个问题、两难困境或情境。在哲学中，我们使用案例来检验我们的价值观、原则和逻辑思维。你不仅仅是记忆理论，而是去应用它们。例如，想象一个场景，某人必须决定是说出痛苦的真相还是说出安慰的谎言。分析这个案例有助于你探索诚实、善良和后果等概念。

In Year 7 CAIE Philosophy, case study analysis builds critical thinking and empathy. You learn to see from different perspectives, identify assumptions, and construct well-reasoned arguments. The goal is not to find the one ‘right’ answer but to understand why we disagree and how we justify our choices.

在7年级CAIE哲学中，案例分析培养批判性思维和同理心。你学会从不同角度看待问题，识别假设，并构建推理充分的论证。目标不是找到唯一的“正确”答案，而是理解我们为什么会有分歧，以及我们如何为自己的选择辩护。

Examine the details: What actually happened? Who is involved? What is at stake?
Identify the ethical or philosophical issue: Is it about fairness, truth, freedom, or something else?
Consider different viewpoints: How would various people or theories approach the case?
Reach a reasoned conclusion: What do you think and why?

审视细节：到底发生了什么？涉及哪些人？利害关系是什么？
识别伦理或哲学议题：是关于公平、真相、自由还是其他问题？
考虑不同观点：不同的人或理论会如何处理这个案例？
得出有理由的结论：你怎么看？为什么？

2. Case 1: The Honest Thief | 案例一：诚实的小偷

Read the following scenario carefully. Imagine a person named Sam whose younger sister is very ill. The only medicine that can save her costs a huge amount of money, far more than Sam’s family can afford. Sam begs the pharmacist to lower the price or allow payment over time, but the pharmacist refuses, saying he invented the medicine and deserves to profit. In desperation, Sam breaks into the pharmacy at night and steals the medicine. The next day, Sam feels guilty and tells the police the truth. Is Sam an honest thief? Was the action morally right?

仔细阅读以下场景。想象一个人名叫山姆，他的妹妹病得很重。唯一能救她的药价格极其昂贵，远远超出山姆家的能力。山姆恳求药剂师降低价格或允许分期付款，但药剂师拒绝了，说他发明了这种药，理应获利。绝望之下，山姆夜里闯入药房偷走了药。第二天，山姆感到内疚，向警察说了实话。山姆是诚实的小偷吗？他的行为在道德上正确吗？

This case, adapted from a famous ethical dilemma, pushes us to think about the value of life versus property rights. You might argue that saving a life is more important than the pharmacist’s right to make money. But stealing is against the law and can undermine trust in society. Use the analysis steps: what is the core dilemma? It is a conflict between the duty to respect others’ property and the duty to care for those we love.

这个案例改编自一个著名的伦理困境，它促使我们思考生命价值与财产权的冲突。你可能会说，拯救生命比药剂师赚钱的权利更重要。但偷窃是违法的，并且会破坏社会信任。运用分析步骤：核心困境是什么？这是尊重他人财产的义务与关爱亲人的义务之间的冲突。

Try to see from both sides: Sam’s perspective is driven by love and desperation. The pharmacist might feel his hard work is being disrespected. Can a thief still be honest by confessing? Honesty is about telling the truth, but does that erase the wrong of stealing? There is no single correct answer, but a strong philosophical analysis weighs the reasons and considers the consequences for everyone.

试着从双方视角看：山姆的角度是由爱和绝望驱动的。药剂师可能觉得自己的辛苦劳动不被尊重。一个小偷通过坦白还能算诚实吗？诚实是关于说出真相，但这能抹去偷窃的错误吗？没有唯一正确的答案，但强有力的哲学分析会权衡理由，并考虑对每个人的后果。

3. Step-by-Step Analysis Guide | 分步分析指南

To build confidence, follow this structured guide whenever you face a case study. Practise with any scenario, from the classroom to everyday situations.

为了建立信心，每当你面对一个案例时，都可以遵循这个结构化指南。从课堂到日常情境，都可以用任何场景来练习。

Step 1: Summarise the facts. List what you know for certain and what information might be missing.
Step 2: Pinpoint the philosophical question. Is it an ethical question (what is right?), an epistemological question (how do we know?), or a metaphysical question (what is real?)?
Step 3: Generate possible answers or actions. Let your mind explore options, even unusual ones.
Step 4: Evaluate each option using philosophical concepts like fairness, duties, consequences, and virtues.
Step 5: Form your own judgement and explain it clearly, acknowledging counterarguments.

第一步：总结事实。列出你确定知道的信息，以及可能缺失的信息。
第二步：确定哲学问题。这是一个伦理问题（什么是对的？），认识论问题（我们如何知道？），还是形而上学问题（什么是真实的？）？
第三步：提出可能的答案或行动。让你的思维探索各种选项，甚至是不寻常的。
第四步：运用公平、责任、后果和美德等哲学概念评估每个选项。
第五步：形成自己的判断并清楚地解释，同时承认反对论点。

Remember, philosophy values the quality of reasoning over the mere choice. Two people can arrive at the same conclusion for completely different reasons. Your job is to show your thinking process, not just announce your verdict. Practise writing short paragraphs that begin with ‘I believe… because…’ and then consider ‘However, some might argue that…’. This shows balanced reasoning.

记住，哲学重视推理的质量而不是简单的选择。两个人可能因为完全不同的原因得出相同的结论。你的任务是展示你的思考过程，而不仅仅是宣布你的结论。练习写出以“我相信……因为……”开头的简短段落，然后考虑“然而，有人可能会争辩说……”。这显示出平衡的推理。

4. Case 2: The Sharing Puzzle | 案例二：分享难题

Three friends — Aisha, Ben, and Cheng — baked 10 identical cookies together. They now have to divide them fairly. Aisha contributed most of the ingredients, Ben did most of the baking work, and Cheng cleaned up the entire kitchen. How should the cookies be shared? Is it fair to give more to the one who contributed more, or should everyone get an equal share because they are friends?

三个朋友——艾莎、本和程——一起烤了10块一模一样的饼干。现在他们必须公平分配。艾莎贡献了大部分原料，本承担了大部分烘烤工作，程则打扫了整个厨房。饼干应该如何分配？给贡献更多的人更多是公平的，还是因为他们是朋友所以每个人都该得到相同的份额？

This case introduces the concept of distributive justice. Some theories, like ‘desert-based’ fairness, say rewards should match effort or contribution. Others, like strict egalitarianism, would demand exactly equal shares regardless of input. A third approach considers need: if one friend is very hungry or does not have food at home, maybe they should get more.

这个案例引入了分配正义的概念。一些理论，如“基于应得”的公平观，认为奖励应该与努力或贡献相匹配。其他理论，如严格的平等主义，则要求不论投入如何都完全均等分配。第三种方法考虑需求：如果一位朋友很饿，或者家里没有食物，也许他们应该得到更多。

Apply the step-by-step guide. The philosophical question is: what makes a distribution fair? You might propose splitting the cookies 4-3-3 or 5-3-2 based on contribution. Defend your answer with reasons. Also consider whether friendship changes the rule: sometimes friends prioritise harmony over strict fairness. Could a lottery be the fairest of all? There is much to discuss.

运用分步指南。哲学问题是：是什么使分配公平？你可能会建议根据贡献将饼干分成4-3-3或5-3-2。用理由为你的答案辩护。同时考虑友谊是否改变了规则：有时朋友会把和谐置于严格的公平之上。抽签会不会是最公平的方式？有很多东西可以讨论。

5. Case 3: The Invisible Friend | 案例三：看不见的朋友

Lucy, aged 8, insists that she has a friend named Luma who lives in the garden. Luma is invisible to everyone else, but Lucy describes Luma in great detail — her favourite colour, what she eats, and the games they play. Some family members say Luma is not real and Lucy is just pretending. Lucy, however, truly believes Luma exists. Is Luma real? What does it mean for something to be real?

8岁的露西坚称她有一个名叫鲁玛的朋友，住在花园里。其他人看不见鲁玛，但露西非常详细地描述了她——她最喜欢的颜色、她吃什么以及她们玩的游戏。一些家人说鲁玛不是真实的，露西只是在假装。然而，露西真的相信鲁玛存在。鲁玛是真实的吗？某物是真实的意味着什么？

This case shifts from ethics to epistemology and metaphysics. We can ask: what kind of existence does Luma have? If Lucy can interact with Luma in her mind and this brings her joy, does that make Luma real in a subjective sense? Would Luma be real if everyone could see her? This challenges the idea that reality must be physical or shared.

这个案例从伦理学转向了认识论和形而上学。我们可以问：鲁玛具有什么样的存在？如果露西能在心中与鲁玛互动，并且这给她带来快乐，这是否使鲁玛在主观意义上是真实的？如果每个人都能看见鲁玛，她就会是真实的吗？这挑战了现实必须是物理的或共享的观念。

Philosophers have debated reality for centuries. Some, like idealists, argue that reality is mind-dependent. Others, like materialists, insist that only physical stuff is truly real. You can analyse Lucy’s case by defining your criteria for reality: does something need to be observable by multiple people? Does it need to have physical effects? How would you test Luma’s existence? By questioning our assumptions, we learn to think more carefully about the world.

哲学家们争论现实问题已有数世纪之久。有些人，如唯心主义者，认为现实依赖于心灵。另一些人，如唯物主义者，坚持只有物理的东西才是真正真实的。你可以通过定义你对现实的标准来分析露西的案例：某物需要能被多人观察到吗？它需要有物理效应吗？你会如何检验鲁玛的存在？通过质疑我们的假设，我们学会了更仔细地思考世界。

6. Case 4: The Forbidden Fruit | 案例四：禁果

At school, there is a beautiful apple tree in the headteacher’s garden. A rule states that no student is allowed to pick or eat the apples. One day, a strong wind blows down several perfectly ripe apples onto the public path near the tree. Mia sees them and wants to eat one. She argues that the apples are no longer on the tree, so the rule should not apply, and eating one would prevent waste. Ben says the apples still belong to the school and taking one would be stealing. What should Mia do?

学校里，校长花园里有一棵美丽的苹果树。校规规定，任何学生不得采摘或食用苹果。一天，一阵大风吹落了几只完全成熟的苹果，落在树旁的公共小路上。米娅看见后想吃一个。她争辩说苹果已经不在树上了，所以规则不应适用，而且吃一个可以防止浪费。本却说苹果仍然属于学校，拿走就是偷窃。米娅应该怎么做？

This case explores the nature of rules, property, and the spirit versus the letter of the law. A rule is often written with a specific purpose, such as protecting the tree or teaching respect for property. Does a fallen apple still serve that purpose? Mia’s argument appeals to the spirit of the rule: it was meant to stop students from damaging the tree, not to let fruit rot. Ben’s argument sticks to the exact wording: no student is allowed to pick or eat the apples, regardless of where they are.

这个案例探讨了规则的性质、财产以及法律的字面含义与精神。规则的制定通常有其特定目的，比如保护树木或教导尊重财产。落在地上的苹果是否仍符合这一目的？米娅的论证诉诸规则的精神：它本意是阻止学生损坏树木，而不是让果实腐烂。本的论证则紧扣字面措辞：学生不得采摘或食用苹果，无论它们在哪里。

You can extend this to bigger questions: should we always follow rules, even when they seem to produce silly outcomes? What is the basis of ownership — is it physical control, or something else? Try to write a short paragraph defending each side before stating your own view. Ethical reasoning often involves balancing respect for authority with practical wisdom.

你可以将此扩展到更大的问题：我们是否应该总是遵守规则，即使它们似乎会产生荒谬的结果？所有权的依据是什么——是物理控制，还是其他东西？在陈述自己的观点之前，试着为每一方写一段简短辩护。伦理推理通常涉及平衡对权威的尊重与实践智慧。

7. Practice Drill: Your Turn | 练习操练：轮到你了

Now it is time for you to lead the analysis. Read this fresh case and answer the questions that follow. Write your answers in full sentences and show your reasoning.

现在轮到你主导分析了。阅读下面这个新案例，并回答后面的问题。用完整句子写出答案，并展现你的推理。

Case 5: The Loud Puppy — Priya’s neighbour has a new puppy that barks loudly every night, keeping Priya’s family awake. Priya’s father wants to make a complaint to the council, which could result in the neighbour being fined. Priya knows the neighbour is elderly and the puppy is her only companion. Should Priya support her father’s complaint? What values are in conflict here?

案例五：吵闹的小狗——普丽雅的邻居养了一只新小狗，每晚大声吠叫，让普丽雅一家无法入睡。普丽雅的父亲想向市政部门投诉，这可能导致邻居被罚款。普丽雅知道邻居年迈，小狗是她唯一的伴侣。普丽雅应该支持父亲的投诉吗？这里冲突的价值观是什么？

Identify the ethical dilemma in one sentence.
List two possible actions Priya could take.
For each action, give one reason in favour and one reason against.
Write your final recommendation and explain why you chose it.

用一句话指出伦理困境。
列出普丽雅可能采取的两种行动。
对每种行动，给出一个支持理由和一个反对理由。
写出你的最终建议，并解释为什么选择它。

Try to think beyond simple right or wrong. Consider concepts like compassion, community responsibility, and the right to a peaceful home. This is exactly how philosophers practise: by stretching their moral imagination.

试着超越简单的对与错。考虑怜悯、社区责任以及和平居家的权利等概念。这正是哲学家们的练习方式：通过扩展他们的道德想象力。

8. Applying Philosophical Concepts | 应用哲学概念

To deepen your case studies, it helps to learn a few core philosophical concepts. You do not need to memorise long definitions, but understanding these terms will make your arguments stronger.

为了深化你的案例分析，学习一些核心哲学概念会很有帮助。你不需要背诵冗长的定义，但理解这些术语会让你的论证更有力。

Concept	Simple Meaning	Example in Use
Utilitarianism	The right action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness.	Stealing medicine could be right if it saves a life and brings more happiness than suffering.
Deontology	Certain duties or rules must be followed, regardless of the consequences.	Stealing is always wrong because we have a duty to respect property.
Virtue Ethics	Focus on what a morally good person would do; cultivate virtues like honesty and compassion.	A good friend would share the cookies generously, not just count contributions.
Egalitarianism	All people should be treated equally in terms of rights and shares.	Give three cookies to each friend, no matter who worked harder.

概念	简单含义	运用示例
功利主义	正确的行为是为最大多数人带来最大幸福的行为。	如果偷药能拯救生命并带来比痛苦更多的幸福，那么偷药可能是对的。
义务论	无论后果如何，某些责任或规则必须被遵守。	偷窃永远是错的，因为我们有责任尊重财产。
美德伦理学	关注一个有道德的好人会做什么；培养诚实和同情等美德。	一个好朋友会慷慨分享饼干，而不仅仅是计算贡献。
平等主义	所有人在权利和份额上应受到同等对待。	给每个朋友三块饼干，不管谁更努力。

You can use these concepts like lenses. Ask, ‘What would a utilitarian say about Sam’s theft?’ or ‘Would a virtue ethicist praise Mia’s decision?’ This doesn’t mean you must agree with the concept, but engaging with it shows higher-level thinking.

你可以像使用透镜一样使用这些概念。问：“功利主义者会对山姆的偷窃行为说什么？”或者“美德伦理学家会称赞米娅的决定吗？”这并不意味着你必须同意这个概念，但与它接触能展示更高层次的思维。

9. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them | 常见错误及如何避免

Even keen philosophers make mistakes when analysing cases. Being aware of these common pitfalls will improve your work significantly.

即使是热心的哲学家在分析案例时也会犯错。意识到这些常见错误将极大提高你的作业质量。

1. Rushing to judgement: Some students decide what they think immediately and then ignore other perspectives. Remember to slow down and consider all angles before forming a conclusion.

1. 急于下判断：有些学生立刻决定自己的想法，然后忽略其他视角。记住要放慢脚步，在形成结论前考虑所有角度。

2. Using feelings instead of reasons: It is fine to have an emotional response, but philosophy requires reasons. ‘Because it feels wrong’ is not a strong argument. Always ask ‘why?’ and give reasons that others can understand and debate.

2. 用感受代替理由：有情绪反应是可以的，但哲学需要理由。“因为感觉不对”不是一个强有力的论证。总是问“为什么？”并给出别人能理解和辩论的理由。

3. Ignoring counterarguments: A robust philosophical analysis shows you have thought about objections. Mention the strongest argument against your view and explain why you still hold your position.

3. 忽视反对论点：一个稳健的哲学分析表明你思考过反对意见。提及反对你观点最强有力的论点，并解释你为什么仍坚持自己的立场。

4. Misidentifying the core issue: Sometimes a case seems to be about one thing but is really about something deeper. The Sharing Puzzle isn’t just about cookies; it is about fairness. Always dig beneath the surface.

4. 错误识别核心问题：有时一个案例表面上关乎一件事，但其实关乎更深层的东西。分享难题不只是关于饼干；它是关于公平。永远要挖掘表面之下。

Practise self-checking: after writing, read your analysis and ask if it passes the ‘reason test’ — would a reasonable person be convinced, or at least understand your viewpoint?

练习自我检查：写完后再读一遍你的分析，问自己它是否通过了“理由测试”——一个通情达理的人会被说服，或者至少能理解你的观点吗？

10. Building Your Philosophical Vocabulary | 建立你的哲学词汇

Using precise words makes your arguments clearer. Here are some useful terms to include in your case study answers, with examples.

使用精确的词语能让你的论证更清晰。这里有一些有用的术语，可以在你的案例分析答案中使用，并附有例子。

Premise: a reason given in support of a conclusion. “One premise is that life is more valuable than property.”
Conclusion: the main point you are trying to prove. “My conclusion is that Sam’s action was morally acceptable.”
Assumption: a belief taken for granted without proof. “The rule assumes that students will damage the tree.”
Inference: a step of reasoning from premises to conclusion. “From your premise, I can infer that you support equal shares.”
Refutation: an argument against a viewpoint. “A common refutation is that stealing breaks social trust.”

前提：支持一个结论的理由。“一个前提是，生命比财产更有价值。”
结论：你试图证明的主要观点。“我的结论是，山姆的行为在道德上是可以接受的。”
假设：未经证明就被认为是理所当然的信念。“这条规则假设学生会损坏树木。”
推理：从前提导向结论的思维步骤。“从你的前提，我可以推断你支持平均份额。”
反驳：反对某个观点的论证。“一个常见的反驳是，偷窃会破坏社会信任。”

Using these terms correctly shows you are thinking like a philosopher. But do not force them into every sentence; clarity always comes first. It is better to express a simple idea well than to misuse complicated vocabulary.

正确使用这些术语表明你像哲学家一样思考。但不要把它们硬塞到每个句子中；清晰永远是第一位的。好好地表达一个简单的想法，比误用复杂的词汇要好。

11. Final Practice: A Case with a Twist | 最终练习：带转折的案例

Challenge yourself with this multi-layered case. Read it twice and make notes.

用这个多层次的案例挑战自己。读两遍并做笔记。

Case 6: The Promise — On Monday, Jia promised her best friend, Leo, that she would help him with his art project on Friday afternoon. On Thursday, Jia is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend a workshop with her favourite artist, which takes place at exactly the same time. Jia knows Leo is struggling with the project and needs her. But the workshop could inspire her future career. What should Jia do? Is keeping a promise always the most important thing?

案例六：诺言——周一，佳向她最好的朋友利奥承诺，她会在周五下午帮助他完成艺术项目。周四，佳获得了一个千载难逢的机会，可以参加她最喜欢艺术家的研讨会，时间恰好与帮助利奥的时间冲突。佳知道利奥正在为项目挣扎，需要她的帮助。但研讨会可能会启发她未来的职业。佳应该怎么做？遵守诺言总是最重要的事吗？

This case combines promise-keeping, friendship, self-interest, and the weight of exceptional opportunities. You might refer to deontology (a duty to keep promises) and utilitarianism (the huge benefit of the workshop). But also consider virtue ethics: what would a loyal friend do? Could Jia find a creative solution, such as helping Leo on Saturday instead, and asking for forgiveness?

这个案例结合了遵守诺言、友谊、自身利益以及特殊机遇的分量。你可以参考义务论（遵守诺言的责任）和功利主义（研讨会的巨大益处）。但也要考虑美德伦理学：一个忠诚的朋友会怎么做？佳能否找到一个创造性的解决方案，比如改为周六帮助利奥，并请求原谅？

Write a mini-essay: state the dilemma, present two opposing views with reasons, and then give your own judgement, acknowledging the difficulty. There is no perfect answer; what matters is the quality of your thinking.

写一篇小短文：陈述困境，提出两种对立的观点并附上理由，然后给出你自己的判断，承认其中的困难。没有完美的答案；重要的是你思考的质量。

12. Summary and Tips for Success | 总结与成功贴士

You have now explored several case studies spanning ethics, fairness, reality, and rules. By practising these drills, you are not just preparing for an exam — you are building skills for life. Philosophy helps you become a more thoughtful, open-minded person who can navigate complex situations with wisdom.

你现在已经探索了几个涵盖伦理、公平、现实和规则的案例研究。通过这些操练，你不仅是在为考试做准备——更是在培养终身技能。哲学帮助你成为一个更有思想、更开明的人，能够运用智慧应对复杂情境。

Here are some final tips to keep in mind:

Read the case slowly and highlight key facts.
Always define the core philosophical question before you start writing.
Show that you can think from multiple perspectives.
Use specific concepts and vocabulary where they fit naturally.
Leave time to review your answer and check for clear reasoning, not just a strong opinion.

这里有一些最后的贴士，请牢记：

慢慢阅读案例，标出关键事实。
在开始写答案前，先界定核心哲学问题。
展示你能从多种角度思考。
在合适的地方自然地使用具体概念和词汇。
留出时间检查答案，确保推理清晰，而不仅仅是观点强烈。

Remember, in philosophy, the journey of thinking is often more important than the destination. Stay curious, ask questions, and enjoy the challenge!

记住，在哲学中，思考的旅程往往比终点更重要。保持好奇，提出问题，享受挑战！

Published by TutorHao | Philosophy Revision Series | aleveler.com

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Case Study Practical Drills | 案例分析实战演练