PSHE/ Personal development

The Truth Potion

21 May 2026 | Author:

A philosophical enquiry about telling the truth freely, and being forced.

Naddoddr (2024) Scopolamine.jpg [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scopolamine.jpg

This resource was written by:

Dr Grace Lockrobin

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Subject

Citizenship English and Literacy Philosophy PSHE/ Personal development Religious Studies

Age Range

07-11

Concept

Actions Authenticity Behaviour Conformity Consequences Control Ethics Honesty Lying Secrets Truth

Imagine there was a potion that could make anyone tell the truth. One sip – and every secret, lie, honest opinion and deepest thought, would come spilling out. Would you take a sip?

This session comprises a lesson plan and set of slides built around Thoughtful’s ‘SAPERE’ elements of enquiry model: Share, Ask, Pick, Explore, Refine and Evaluate.

This resource is made freely available in collaboration with the BBC’s Fantastic Philosophy series, narrated by Thoughtful Patron Sir Stephen Fry.