Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy & Ethics involves learning about the Philosophy of Religion and Moral Philosophy (Ethics).
Philosophy & Ethics A Level
Please note that the world religion that underpins this course is Christianity.
You will study:
- The views of ancient and modern scholars.
- The classical arguments for and against God’s existence.
- The problem of evil for religious believers.
- Psychological and scientific responses to religious belief.
- The rise of new atheism.
- Religious experience and religious language.
What does the course involve?
You will consider some of the classic theories of morality and apply them to modern ethical issues such as:
- Medical ethics.
- Sexual ethics.
- Immigration.
- Capital punishment.
- Animal experimentation.
- Nuclear weaponry.
You will question whether we have free will or whether our lives are predetermined and the implications this has for moral responsibility.
You will also study:
- Religious figures, sacred texts and practices of Christianity, examining the nature of the Christian God.
- Christian diversity in festivals such as Christmas and Easter.
- Religious concepts such as the Trinity and Atonement.
- Christian religious life and social developments such as Liberation and Feminist Theology.
Philosophy & Ethics will train you to read critically, analyse and assess arguments, discern hidden assumptions and construct sound and valid arguments, expressing yourself clearly and precisely in both speech and writing.
Assessment
Qualification
A Level
Awarding Body
Eduqas
Internal assessment is primarily by written essay.
External assessment is by three, two hour written examinations in the summer term of your second year. You will be assessed on knowledge and understanding (40%) and analysis and evaluation (60%).
- Paper 1: A Study of Christianity.
- Paper 2: Philosophy and Religion.
- Paper 3: Religion and Ethics.
Entry Requirements
You do not need any previous experience of the subject, but you will need:
- Grade 5 or B in English Language, Literature and any other Humanities if taken.
You will also need:
- The ability to be challenged and cope with difficult concepts.
- To be willing to engage in discussion, accepting new ideas and ways of thinking.
- To be able to write extensively and enjoy reading.
- To work hard both inside and outside lessons and be prepared to study independently.
Trips
There will be opportunities to attend conferences and lectures delivered by subject specialists.
Career path
Philosophy & Ethics can lead to a very wide range of higher education courses including philosophy, theology and PPE.
The skills gained can help you excel in fields as varied as law, business, medicine, journalism, politics, human resources, teaching, social work and community work.
I enjoy the debates in class; it often gets quite passionate and there’s lots of different views but everyone’s good at respecting each other.
Imee
