On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Evangeliki Model High School of Smyrna, a one-hour lesson was conducted by the philologist Mr. Giorgos Thodis, titled: “The Relationship Between Philosophy and Human Nature,” as part of the dissemination of the Erasmus+ training titled ICT Tools for a Creative and Collaborative Classroom, held in Lisbon.
The lesson focused on the unit “Why Does Man Philosophize?” (Aristotle, Metaphysics A 2, 98b12-28) for 12th grade (Humanities Orientation Group).
The aim was the comprehension and interpretation of Aristotle’s text through dialogical and reflective activities. Students explored the reasons why, according to Aristotle, human beings engage in philosophy, with emphasis on the concept of wonder and the pursuit of knowledge as an end in itself.
The types of activities selected included:
- Comprehension and interpretation of a primary philosophical text
- Discussion and exchange of views in small groups
- Critical engagement with guided thinking questions
- Creative composition of a brief definition of philosophy
- Use of digital ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
The teacher initially assumed a guiding role in approaching the text, later adopting a mediating and supportive stance, encouraging student initiative and reflection.
Students participated actively, took initiative, collaborated creatively, and practiced critical thinking and argumentation.
The lesson aligns with both the current and forthcoming National Curriculum Guidelines, as it cultivates:
- Critical thinking and philosophical interpretation
- Historical and cultural understanding of philosophy
- Digital literacy through the integration of technological tools.
At the same time, it is in harmony with European educational objectives within the Erasmus+ framework, promoting creativity, innovation, collaboration, and 21st-century skills (critical thinking, digital competence, collaboration).
In conclusion, the lesson served as a vivid example of how experiences from Erasmus+ programs can be creatively integrated into the educational process, enriching teaching with modern methods and digital tools, and enhancing the role of the school as an open and innovative learning environment.
The lesson was attended by teachers of the school as well as students from the School of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), who are currently undertaking their teaching practice at our school. At the end of the session, attendees completed an observation questionnaire.
