This course will introduce students to the principles of philosophical thinking with a focus on humanity. Since philosophy and critical thinking occur in language, we will use the semester to grow in our ability to engage in real discussion. Through logic we will discover what constitutes a rational argument and how to avoid fallacies; through metaphysics we will explore first principles as a way to discuss both the nature of things and how change occurs; and through ethics we will apply what we have learned to the topics of virtue, friendship, and happiness. This course will meet the Social Studies elective.