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WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Studying Philosophy at A level involves debating and discussing some of the deepest and universal questions. You will be able to get a broad insight into the development of philosophical thought that extends from Plato through to
thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas, David Hume, Bertrand Russell and many others. You will be able to see how human beings have attempted to make sense of the universe,
asked questions about the nature and meaning of existence and struggled with questions about right and wrong. 

Questions asked include:

  • What can we know?
  • Is there a God?
  • Is the mind the same as the brain?
  • How should we live?
  • How should we treat others?

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You will require a Grade 5 or higher in GCSE English. A GCSE in Religious Studies would be useful but not essential.

The RE Department are happy to discuss these requirements in
individual cases, so do please come and talk to us if you are
interested in the course but concerned you may not achieve 
these grades.

SYLLABUS

YEAR 12

Epistemology (Knowledge)

  • What are the immediate objects of perception?
  • What is knowledge?
  • Can we be certain of anything?
  • Where does knowledge come from?
  • Ethics (Right and Wrong)
  • How do we decide what is morally right to do?
  • What’s the right thing to do in our treatment of animals?
  • Is right and wrong just opinion?
  • Are violent video games immoral?
  • Is it ever right to lie?
  • Are there facts about what is right and wrong?

YEAR 13

Philosophy of Mind (Brains and Minds)

  • What is the relationship between the physical brain and the experienced mind?
  • Is everything in our minds reducible to a physical fact about our brains?

Philosophy of Religion (God)

  • What is God?
  • What philosophical questions are raised by the concept of God?
  • Can God be proven to exist through philosophical argument?
  • What are we doing when we talk about God?

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED AND EXAMINED?

Candidates will be assessed in two 3 hour papers at the end of the course.
There is no coursework and there will also be internal examinations at the end of Year 12.

FUTURE COURSES AND POSSIBLE CAREERS

Studying Philosophy at A level will help you to develop transferable key skills that are vital for success in a wide range of courses and careers, including critical and independent thinking, reasoned arguing and debating, as well as open-minded and persistent thinking.

People studying Philosophy are well-prepared for jobs which require people to think clearly and rigorously, such as management consultancy, accountancy, law, politics, the civil service, journalism, advertising and education.