The Truman Show: Reality, Freedom & Truth | Complete RMPS / Philosophy Unit (S2-S4)
A complete, engaging and thought-provoking resource based on The Truman Show exploring philosophy, ethics, free will, media influence and human rights.
This resource encourages pupils to move beyond simply watching a film and instead investigate some of life’s biggest questions:
What is reality?
Do we truly have free will?
Is it better to live a comfortable lie or a difficult truth?
Is freedom more important than happiness?
How much control do social media and algorithms have over us?
Perfect for RMPS, Philosophy, PSE or cover lessons.
Included:
Fully editable PowerPoint lesson sequence
A3 pupil worksheet
Teacher notes and guidance
Plato’s Cave activities
Ethical thinking tasks (Utilitarianism & Kant)
Modern links to social media, algorithms and influencers
Debate and discussion activities
Hinge questions throughout
Assessment / extension tasks
UNCRC links included
Learning Themes
Reality vs illusion
Free will and control
Plato’s Cave
Human rights
Ethics
Media influence
Algorithms and social media
Critical thinking
**
Skills Developed**
Analysis
Evaluation
Critical thinking
Oracy
Empathy
Learner independence
Real-life application
Suitable for:
S2-S4 RMPS
Philosophy
Citizenship
PSE
Cross-curricular learning
Cover lessons
The Truman Show is an excellent stimulus for exploring complex philosophical ideas in an accessible and engaging way, helping pupils connect big questions about freedom, truth and identity to their own lives.
Approximate teaching time: 3-4 lessons
No specialist Philosophy knowledge required.


