Mastering the Language of Philosophy: Command Terms and Vocabulary

Welcome to one of the most important chapters in your IB Philosophy journey! While Philosophy is about "big ideas," the IB exam is a specific game with specific rules. To win this game, you need to speak the language of the examiners. This means understanding command terms (the instructions that tell you what to do) and philosophical vocabulary (the tools you use to build your arguments).

Don't worry if these terms feel like a foreign language right now. By the end of these notes, you'll know exactly what the exam paper is asking of you and how to respond like a seasoned philosopher.


Section 1: The Six Essential Command Terms

In your exams (Paper 1, 2, and 3), the IB uses a specific set of "command terms." Each one requires a different level of thinking. If you see "Explain" but you "Evaluate," you might lose marks for not following instructions!

1. Explain (AO2)

What it means: Give a detailed account including reasons or causes. This is about clarity and understanding.

The Goal: Make the reader understand the "how" and "why" of a concept. In Paper 2 and Paper 3, Part A always asks you to Explain. You aren't arguing yet; you are showing you understand the text.

Analogy: If you explain how a car works, you describe the engine and the fuel. You don't argue about whether cars are bad for the environment yet!

2. Discuss (AO3)

What it means: Offer a considered and balanced review. You need to present a range of arguments or factors.

The Goal: Show that there isn't just one answer. Use evidence to support your points and reach a clear conclusion. Part B of Paper 2 and Paper 3 usually requires a Critical Discussion.

3. Evaluate (AO3)

What it means: Make an appraisal by weighing up strengths and limitations.

The Goal: Be a judge. Is this theory strong? Where does it fail? You aren't just saying what the theory is; you are saying how good it is.

4. Examine (AO3)

What it means: Look at an argument or concept in a way that uncovers its assumptions and how different parts relate to each other.

The Goal: Dig beneath the surface. If a philosopher says "humans are free," what are they assuming about the brain or the soul?

5. Explore (AO3)

What it means: Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

The Goal: This is often used in stimulus-based questions. It's about "playing" with an idea and looking at it from different angles to see where it leads.

6. To what extent (AO3)

What it means: Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument. How far is it true?

The Goal: You must conclude whether an idea is completely true, partially true, or mostly false. Avoid simply saying "yes" or "no."

Quick Review: The terms Explain (AO2) focus on your knowledge. The terms Discuss, Evaluate, Examine, Explore, and To what extent (AO3) focus on your ability to argue, critique, and synthesize information.


Section 2: The Core Theme Vocabulary

To score well, you must use the "Key Concepts" from the Core Theme: Being Human. These are the "ingredients" for your Paper 1 Section A responses. Memorize these six categories:

1. Identity: Focus on personal identity (who am I?), identity over time (am I the same person I was at age 5?), and cultural identity.

2. The Self and the Other: Focus on the relationship between "me" and "not-me." Includes intersubjectivity (how we understand each other) and solipsism (the scary idea that only my mind exists).

3. Consciousness: Focus on the mind-body problem. How does a physical brain create a non-physical thought? This also includes the "problem of other minds" (how do I know you're not a robot?).

4. Personhood: What "counts" as a person? Is it just humans, or could it be AI or animals? Focus on moral agency (the ability to choose right from wrong).

5. Human Nature: Are we born a certain way (nature), or does society make us (nurture)? This explores the balance between emotion and reason.

6. Freedom: This is the classic debate between determinism (everything is pre-planned by physics or logic) and free will. It also covers existential angst and authenticity.

Did you know? You don't need to name every philosopher ever born. The IB guide says names like Locke or Sartre are "illustrative." What matters is that you use these six key concepts to analyze the exam stimulus!


Section 3: Practical Tips for the Exam

The "Part A vs. Part B" Rule

In Paper 2 (Prescribed Text) and Paper 3 (HL Extension), you will see a two-part structure. Understanding the vocabulary shift here is vital:

Part A: Usually asks you to Explain.
Mistake to avoid: Don't start arguing or criticizing here. Just be a "teacher" and explain the text clearly.

Part B: Usually asks for a Critical Discussion.
Mistake to avoid: Don't just repeat what you said in Part A. Now you must use evaluative vocabulary (e.g., "A major limitation of this view is..." or "This argument is persuasive because...").

Using "Philosophical Signposts"

Help the examiner follow your thinking by using these connecting words:

• To show a limitation: "However," "Conversely," "On the other hand," "A problematic assumption is..."

• To show a strength: "Furthermore," "Consistent with," "This is supported by the fact that..."

• To conclude: "Ultimately," "To a great extent," "In conclusion."


Section 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. The "Dictionary Definition" Trap: Don't just give a dictionary definition of a word like "Freedom." In Philosophy, we define words through arguments. Explain how a specific theory defines it.

2. Ignoring the Command Term: If the question says "Evaluate," and you only "Explain," you cannot reach the highest mark band because you haven't shown critical thinking (AO3).

3. Forgetting the "Balanced Review": If the command term is "Discuss," and you only provide one side of the argument, your answer is not balanced. Always look for the "Counter-argument."

Key Takeaway: Think of command terms as your marching orders. Before you write a single word in the exam, circle the command term and the key vocabulary (e.g., "Identity" or "Moral Agency") to ensure your essay stays on track.


For more details on how to use these terms in specific essays, see the chapters on "Paper 1: Optional theme essay writing" and "Paper 2: Prescribed text: explain and discuss."