bernard tay

Updated September 2023

I teach General Paper at Millennia Institute, Singapore.I was a teaching assistant for the philosophy department at the National University of Singapore. Student testimonials can be accessed here.My primary interests are in the philosophy of education and the philosophy of mind. I'm also interested in Camus, artificial intelligence, and the philosophy of the social sciences.Email: tay_guan_wei_bernard@moe.edu.sg

Teaching Evaluations

`GET1029 LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING`

`UTS2100 INTELLIGENCE AND SINGAPORE SOCIETY`

`8881 GENERAL PAPER`

Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy

Courses Taught

National University of Singapore

UTS2100 Intelligence and Singapore Society
FALL 2017 • Tembusu College, NUS
This course invites students to probe the concept of ‘intelligence’ in relation to Singapore’s ongoing development as a nation. The idea that smart minds are essential for survival has shaped domestic policies and international positioning strategies. We ask: in what ways has human intelligence been defined, measured and harnessed? What counts as intelligence, and what does not? Beyond notions of intelligence centred on the human individual, we will also consider forms of collective and artificial intelligence, mediated by science and technology. What kinds of intelligence are needed for the future and how can Singapore develop them?GET1029 Life, the Universe, and Everything
FALL 2020 • Department of Philosophy, NUS
This module offers an opportunity to grapple with some of the most enduring challenges to human thought. Our starting point is a conception of ourselves as free and conscious beings equipped with bodies that allow us to observe and explore a familiar external world. Successive lectures investigate alternative conceptions of the human condition, such as ones in which we are unfree, or non-spirituous, or inhabit a world whose fundamental nature is hidden from our view. Different conceptions bear differently on the further question of what we should value and why. Discussion is both argument-driven and historically informed.

Millennia Institute

8807 General Paper
AY2020-AY2023 • Millennia Institute, MOE
General Paper aims to develop in students the ability to think critically, to construct cogent arguments and to communicate their ideas using clear, accurate and effective language. General Paper encourages students to explore a range of key issues of global and local significance and provides students with a good foundation to thrive in a fast-changing world. At the end of the course, students should have a broader understanding of the world, and be ready to meet the challenges of higher education and the workplace of the future.8881 General Paper
From AY2024 • Millennia Institute, MOE
The General Paper syllabus is designed to equip students with critical and inventive thinking skills and the use of the English language for effective communication. The syllabus requires students to actively explore a range of key issues of local, regional and global significance. These issues cut across disciplines and are explored from diverse perspectives. Students develop fair consideration of, and respect for different perspectives, appreciate the interrelationship of ideas, and become more adept at interpreting and evaluating the complexities of the world we live in. At the same time, they develop the disposition of active inquiry, the habit of reflection, and the willingness to convey their views in a balanced and thoughtful manner. Students are also encouraged to contribute constructively towards their communities. Underpinning all these are sound values which will help guide students in making responsible decisions in life and for life.Literature in English
From AY2024 • Millennia Institute, MOE
[Anticipated]

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

National University of Singapore (2016-2020)
BA (Hons with Highest Distinction) in Philosophy • CAP: 4.9
Honours Thesis: Meaninglessness and Dry Earth
• NUS Kent Ridge Undergraduate (Merit) Scholarship
• Tembusu College Grant
• Alice and Peter Tan Bursary
• Dean's List (FASS) - Jan 2018, Jun 2018, Jun 2020
• Special Book Prize (Philosophy) 2020^{CERTIFICATION:
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Highest Distinction) in Philosophy}
^{Official Transcript}Australian National University (2018)
Semester Exchange Programme • Non-Award Study^{CERTIFICATION:}
^{Official Transcript}National Institute of Education, Singapore (2022-2023)
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) (Distinction) • CAP: 4.64
CS1: General Paper | CS2: English Language^{CERTIFICATION:}
^{Official Transcript}

TEACHING

National University of Singapore (Fall 2017)
UTS2100 Intelligence and Singapore Society
• Intelligence, Camus, intelligence testing, artificial intelligence, Bostrom, SuperintelligenceNational University of Singapore (Fall 2020)
GET1029 Life, the Universe, and Everything
• Applied ethics, freedom and moral responsibility, political philosophy, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of mind.Millennia Institute (2021)
1128 English LanguageMillennia Institute (2021–2023)
8807 General PaperMillennia Institute (From 2024)
8881 General Paper
H1 Literature in English
H2 Literature in English

SERVICE

Instructional Programme
• O Level English Subject Tutor (For MI’s bridging programme)
• General Paper Subject Tutor
• Literature in English Subject Tutor (Anticipated)Co-Curricular Activities
• Modern Dance Co-Teacher IC (2021)
• ELDS Co-Teacher IC (2023)
- Found Poetry Workshop (Slides)Committee
• Partnership Committee (2021)
• Publications Committee (2023)
- MI Bulletin 2023 Issue 2Service
• Testimonial Vetting (2023)
• Liaison Teacher for MOE’s Creative Arts Programme (CAP) (2023)
• Moderator for Millennia Institute's SG Perspectives Educators’ Dialogue with PS Aubeck Kam (2023)
• PU3 Content Package
- 2023 Issue

COURSES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Exploring the Heart of CCE (Pre-University) Workshop
MOE CCE Branch • June 2023General Paper Critical Writing Workshop
CPDD, ELIS • July 2023Learning How to Increase Learner Engagement
LinkedIn Learning • August 2023 • CertificateFoundations of Accessible E-Learning
LinkedIn Learning • September 2023 • CertificateGenerative AI: Possibilities and Potential for Student Assessments
Sing-ED Academy (with Mr Tan Yap Kwang) • September 2023Teaching with Technology
LinkedIn Learning • September 2023 • CertificateDesigning a Presentation
LinkedIn Learning • September 2023 • Certificate

AWARDS

Millennia Institute
• Most Innovative Teacher Award (2021)
• Little Mr Picasso Slides (2023)