📚 Year 7 Edexcel Philosophy: Summer Prep and Bridging Course | Year 7 Edexcel 哲学：暑期预习与衔接课程
Welcome to the wonderful world of philosophy! As you prepare to start Year 7, you might be wondering what philosophy actually is and why it matters. This summer bridging course is designed to introduce you to key philosophical ideas, skills and questions that you will encounter in your Edexcel Philosophy and Religious Studies lessons. Whether you have already asked big questions about life, the universe or right and wrong, or you are simply curious about thinking deeply, this guide will help you feel confident and excited for the year ahead.
欢迎来到美妙的哲学世界！在你即将升入七年级之际，可能会好奇哲学究竟是什么、为什么重要。这份暑期衔接课程旨在向你介绍在爱德思哲学与宗教研究课上将会遇到的关键哲学思想、技能和问题。无论你之前是否思考过关于生命、宇宙或对与错的大问题，还是单纯对深度思考感到好奇，这份指南都能帮助你充满信心、满怀期待地迎接新学年。
1. Welcome to Philosophy: What Is It? | 欢迎来到哲学：哲学是什么？
Philosophy is the love of wisdom. The word comes from the Greek ‘philo’ (love) and ‘sophia’ (wisdom). It is an activity rather than just a set of facts: philosophers ask fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language. In Year 7, you will not simply learn names and dates; instead, you will learn to think like a philosopher. That means questioning assumptions, examining arguments and being open to changing your mind when presented with good reasons.
哲学就是对智慧的热爱。这个词来源于希腊语的“philo”（爱）和“sophia”（智慧）。与其说哲学是一套事实，不如说它是一种活动：哲学家追问关于存在、知识、价值、理性、心灵和语言的根本问题。在七年级，你不是简单地背记人名和日期，而是要学习像哲学家一样思考。这意味着质疑假设、审视论证，并且在遇到充分理由时，愿意改变自己的想法。
You may already be a philosopher without knowing it. Every time you ask ‘Why?’, ‘What if?’ or ‘Is that fair?’, you are engaging in philosophical thinking. Philosophy encourages you to look beneath the surface and not take things for granted. It pushes you to seek clarity, consistency and justification in your beliefs.
你可能早就在不知不觉中做了哲学家。每次你问“为什么？”“如果……会怎样？”或者“这公平吗？”时，你就在进行哲学思考。哲学鼓励你透过表面看问题，不把任何事情视作理所当然。它促使你在信念中追求清晰、一致和合理的理由。
2. The Big Questions: Examples from Year 7 | 大问题：七年级哲学示例
In your first year of secondary philosophy, you will explore some truly big questions. These might include: What makes me the same person over time? Does God exist? How should we treat animals? What is real and what is just an illusion? Can we trust our senses? What makes an action morally right or wrong? Edexcel’s Key Stage 3 philosophy curriculum (often taught through Religious Studies) invites you to approach these questions from multiple perspectives, including religious and non-religious worldviews.
在中学第一年的哲学课上，你将探索一些真正宏大的问题。这可能包括：是什么让一个人随着时间流逝仍然是同一个人？上帝存在吗？我们应该如何对待动物？什么是真实的，什么只是幻觉？我们能相信自己的感官吗？什么使一个行为在道德上是正当的或错误的？爱德思关键阶段3的哲学课程（通常通过宗教研究教授）邀请你从多种角度探讨这些问题，包括宗教和非宗教世界观。
These big questions do not always have simple answers. That is exactly the point: philosophy is less about finding the final truth and more about learning to think carefully, weigh evidence and respect that other intelligent people may disagree. You will practise giving and responding to reasons, which is a skill that helps across all your subjects.
这些大问题并不总有简单的答案。这正是哲学的重点所在：哲学不在于找到终极真理，而在于学会审慎思考、权衡证据，并尊重其他有智慧的人可能持有不同意见。你将练习给出理由并回应他人的理由，这是一项有助于你学好所有科目的技能。
3. Philosophical Skills: Questioning Everything | 哲学技能：质疑一切
A central philosophical skill is the ability to question. In everyday life, we often accept things at face value. Philosophers, however, dig deeper. They ask: What do we mean by that word? How do we know that claim is true? Are there any counterexamples? What assumptions are being made? By practising the habit of questioning, you become a more independent thinker.
哲学的核心技能是提问的能力。在日常生活中，我们往往只看表面价值就接受了事情。然而，哲学家会挖掘得更深。他们会问：我们用的那个词到底是什么意思？我们怎么知道那个说法是真的？有没有反例？这里隐含了哪些假设？通过培养提问的习惯，你会成为一名更独立的思考者。
In Year 7, you will start with simple thought experiments, such as the Ship of Theseus. If a ship has all its planks replaced over time, is it still the same ship? This seemingly simple puzzle helps you examine concepts like identity and change. You will learn that questioning does not mean being negative; it means being intellectually curious and refusing to accept weak arguments.
在七年级，你会从一些简单的思想实验开始，例如“忒修斯之船”：如果一艘船的木板随时间全部更换，它还是同一艘船吗？这个看似简单的谜题能帮你检验同一性和变化等概念。你会学到，提问并不意味着消极批判；它意味着理智上的好奇，并拒绝接受站不住脚的论证。
4. Logic and Argument: Building Your Case | 逻辑与论证：构建你的论点
Philosophy is not just about having opinions; it is about supporting them with good reasons. An argument in philosophy is a set of statements where some (the premises) are supposed to provide support for another (the conclusion). You will learn to recognise simple argument structures and to test whether a conclusion really follows from the premises. A valid argument can be represented like this:
哲学不仅仅是要有观点，更是要用好的理由来支持观点。在哲学中，论证是一组陈述，其中一些（前提）旨在为另一个陈述（结论）提供支持。你将学会识别简单的论证结构，并检验结论是否真的从前提中得出。一个有效的论证可以这样表示：
Premise 1: All humans are mortal.
Premise 2: Socrates is a human.
Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
前提1：所有人都会死。
前提2：苏格拉底是人。
结论：因此，苏格拉底会死。
However, a good argument also needs true premises. A valid argument with a false premise is not sound. Throughout Year 7, you will examine arguments about God, morality, reality and the self, and you will practise spotting when someone is giving a weak or misleading reason. This logical training sharpens your thinking in all areas.
然而，一个好论证还需要真实的前提。一个前提虚假的有效论证是不健全的。在整个七年级，你将会审视关于上帝、道德、实在和自我的各种论证，并练习辨认什么时候别人给出了薄弱或有误导性的理由。这种逻辑训练会全面提升你的思维能力。
5. The Socratic Method: Learning Through Dialogue | 苏格拉底方法：通过对话学习
Socrates, an ancient Greek philosopher, became famous for his way of teaching not by lecturing but by asking probing questions. The Socratic method involves a cooperative dialogue where participants try to get closer to the truth by continuously questioning and refining ideas. In your classroom, you will often work in pairs or small groups to clarify concepts and challenge each other’s thinking.
古希腊哲学家苏格拉底以他那不是通过讲授而是通过追问的教学方法而闻名。苏格拉底方法是一种合作式对话，参与者通过不断提问和修正观点来努力接近真理。在课堂上，你会经常两人一组或分小组活动，澄清概念并挑战彼此的思考。
Do not worry about having the ‘right’ answer immediately. The point of Socratic dialogue is to explore a question from many angles, uncover contradictions and gradually build a better understanding. You will discover that good thinking often starts with admitting ‘I don’t know’ and being willing to inquire. This method is at the heart of Edexcel philosophy lessons and helps develop respectful, reasoned discussion skills.
不必担心要立刻给出“正确”答案。苏格拉底对话的重点是从多个角度探索问题、发现矛盾，并逐步建立更好的理解。你会发现，好的思考常常始于承认“我不知道”，并愿意去探究。这种方法正是爱德思哲学课的核心，有助于培养尊重他人、有理有据的讨论技巧。
6. Exploring Ethics: What Makes an Action Right? | 探索伦理学：什么使行为正当？
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that asks how we should live. In Year 7, you will be introduced to several ethical approaches. One common distinction is between looking at the consequences of an action (consequentialism) and looking at the action itself and the duty behind it (deontology). You might also encounter virtue ethics, which focuses on the character of the person acting. These theories help you answer questions like ‘Is it ever okay to lie?’ or ‘Why should we keep promises?’
伦理学是哲学的一个分支，它追问我们应该如何生活。在七年级，你会接触到几种伦理学说。一个常见的区分是看行为的后果（后果论）与看行为本身及其背后的义务（义务论）。你或许还会遇到德性伦理，它关注行为者的品格。这些理论能帮助你回答“撒谎是否永远不对？”或“我们为什么要遵守承诺？”这样的问题。
You will apply these ethical ideas to real-life dilemmas, such as whether to return a lost wallet or how to distribute limited resources fairly. Edexcel philosophy encourages you to consider religious perspectives as well, such as Christian, Muslim or humanist views on morality. The goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you tools to make reasoned and compassionate decisions.
你会把这些伦理观念应用到现实的两难情境中，比如是否归还捡到的钱包，或如何公平分配有限的资源。爱德思哲学还鼓励你考虑宗教视角，例如基督教、伊斯兰教或人文主义对道德的看法。目的不是告诉你该想什么，而是给你工具，让你做出有理有据且富有同情心的决定。
7. Knowledge and Reality: How Do We Know What Is Real? | 知识与实在：我们如何知道什么是真实的？
Epistemology is the theory of knowledge. It asks: What is knowledge? How is it different from mere belief or opinion? Can we trust our senses, or might we be dreaming right now? A classic thought experiment is Plato’s Cave, where prisoners mistake shadows for reality. This makes us wonder whether what we perceive is the true world or just a limited version of it.
认识论是关于知识的理论。它追问：什么是知识？知识如何区别于纯粹的想法或意见？我们能相信自己的感官吗，还是我们现在可能在梦中？一个经典的思想实验是柏拉图的洞穴比喻，里面的囚徒错把影子当作现实。这让我们反思：我们所感知的究竟是真实世界，还只是一个有限版本。
Closely related is metaphysics, which studies the nature of reality. You will examine questions like: Does time flow, or is that an illusion? Do numbers exist in the same way chairs do? What does it mean to say something ‘exists’? These discussions may sound abstract, but they train you to notice assumptions and distinguish between appearance and reality—a skill that sharpens critical thinking across all subjects.
与认识论紧密相关的是形而上学，它研究实在的本性。你会审视这样一些问题：时间是流动的，还是那是一种错觉？数字的存在方式和椅子一样吗？说某物“存在”是什么意思？这些讨论可能听起来很抽象，却能训练你留意假设、区分表象与实在——这项技能可以全面提升所有学科中的批判性思维。
8. Philosophy and Religion: Edexcel Perspectives | 哲学与宗教：爱德思视角
In many schools, the Edexcel Year 7 philosophy course is delivered through Religious Studies. This means you will explore philosophical questions alongside the beliefs and practices of major world religions. You might investigate arguments for the existence of God, such as the design argument (the world looks designed) and the first cause argument (everything must have a cause). At the same time, you will study non-religious responses and the problem of evil.
在许多学校，爱德思七年级哲学课程是通过宗教研究来实施的。这意味着你将在探索哲学问题的同时，了解世界主要宗教的信仰和实践。你可能会考察关于上帝存在的论证，例如设计论证（世界看起来是被设计的）和第一因论证（万物必有因）。同时，你也会学习非宗教的回应以及恶的问题。
This integrated approach helps you appreciate how religious and philosophical thinking can overlap and diverge. You will learn to examine sacred texts, philosophical arguments and personal experiences as different sources of wisdom. By the end of Year 7, you should be able to explain both religious and secular perspectives on key questions with fairness and empathy.
这种整合式的进路帮助你理解宗教与哲学思维如何既有交集又有分歧。你将学习把神圣经典、哲学论证和个人体验看作不同的智慧来源。到七年级结束时，你应该能够公平且富有同理心地解释宗教和世俗世界对关键问题的不同观点。
9. How to Prepare Over the Summer: Activities and Reading | 暑期如何准备：活动与阅读材料
The summer before Year 7 is a perfect time to start your philosophical adventure gently. You do not need to study textbooks; instead, build the habits of a philosopher. Start a ‘Big Questions’ journal where you jot down questions that puzzle you, such as ‘What is happiness?’ or ‘Why is there something rather than nothing?’. Try to notice moments when someone makes a claim and ask yourself whether the reasons are good.
升入七年级前的暑假是轻松开启哲学探险的绝佳时机。你不需要去啃教科书，而是要养成哲学家的习惯。开始写一本“大问题”日记，随手记下令你困惑的问题，比如“什么是幸福？”或“为什么是有而不是无？”。试着留意别人提出某个说法的时刻，并自问理由是否充分。
Watch a few recommended movies or read short stories that spark philosophical questions. For instance, the film ‘Inside Out’ can prompt discussions about identity and emotions. Read Aesop’s fables and ask what moral lessons they convey. You might also enjoy a beginner-friendly book like ‘Philosophy for Kids’ by David White or the illustrated ‘Big Ideas for Curious Minds’. These resources make complex ideas accessible and fun.
看一些能激发哲学思考的推荐电影或短篇故事。例如，电影《头脑特工队》可以引发关于身份与情感的讨论。读一读《伊索寓言》，问问它们传达了什么样的道德教训。你或许也会喜欢适合初学者的书籍，比如大卫·怀特的《给孩子的哲学》或插图本《好奇心灵的大想法》。这些资源让复杂的思想变得容易理解且充满乐趣。
Finally, practise having respectful disagreements with family or friends. Choose a gentler topic—like ‘Is it ever okay to break a rule?’—and take turns presenting reasons. Listen carefully and summarise the other person’s view before responding. This dialogue practice is the best preparation for philosophical discussions in class.
最后，练习与家人或朋友进行互相尊重的分歧讨论。选一个比较温和的话题，比如“打破规则是否总有可原谅之处？”，轮流提出理由。在回应之前仔细倾听并总结对方的观点。这种对话练习是为课堂哲学讨论所做的最好准备。
10. Setting Goals for Year 7 Philosophy | 为七年级哲学设定目标
As you look ahead, set some personal learning goals. Rather than aiming simply for high marks, think about what kind of thinker you want to become. One goal might be: ‘This year, I want to get better at asking follow-up questions when I do not understand a concept.’ Another could be: ‘I will try to give at least one reason for every opinion I share in class.’ These process-focused goals will help you grow as a philosopher.
展望未来时，设定一些个人学习目标。与其简单地追求高分，不如思考你想成为怎样的思考者。一个目标可以是：“今年，我想在听不懂某个概念时更善于提出追问。”另一个可能是：“我会尝试对课堂上分享的每个观点至少给出一个理由。”这些注重过程的目标能帮助你成长为哲学家式的思考者。
Remember that philosophy is a marathon, not a sprint. You are not expected to have all the answers. The real success in philosophy is staying curious, listening well, and being brave enough to admit when you have changed your mind. With these attitudes, you will not only succeed in your Edexcel course but also develop thinking skills that will serve you for life.
请记住，哲学是一场马拉松，而不是短跑。没有人指望你拥有所有答案。哲学上的真正成功在于保持好奇心、善于倾听，并勇敢承认自己已经改变想法。持有这些态度，你不仅会在爱德思课程中表现出色，还将培养受益终身的思维技能。
Your journey into philosophy begins now. Welcome to the community of thinkers who wonder, question and discover. The Year 7 classroom awaits, and with this summer preparation, you are ready to dive into big questions with confidence and an open mind.
你的哲学之旅从此刻开始。欢迎加入这个充满好奇、追问与发现的思考者社群。七年级的课堂在等着你，经过这个暑期的准备，你已经准备好带着信心和开放的头脑去探索那些大问题。
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