RS: Philosophy and Ethics

Expectations of Independent Study

Students will be expected to be critical thinkers who enjoy engaging in debate on the most challenging of questions. Independent study involves a large amount of reading from core philosophical texts, to journal articles and current philosophical writing.

Students will complete research essays that develop wider skills. Students will also watch and analyse films to explore a wide variety of philosophical and ethical dilemmas.

There is a real focus on the need to engage with the wider questions of life as seen through the news and the media and this will form a key aspect of their wider engagement.

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements and Grade 9-6 in English language or literature or Religious Studies.

Why is it interesting?

Ever wondered why we are here? Questioned your own identity or why some things are right and others are wrong? Philosophy deals with the abstract and complex questions that underpin our very existence and when you couple this with ethics you are challenged to explore the very nature of our world and the decisions we all make.

Philosophy of religion will explore the questions around why people believe what they do and Ethics will get you to question the basis of decisions on right and wrong. All of this combines to make a complex and challenging subject that will make your brain ache but equip you with the skills of high level analysis, the ability to argue and defend a position whilst supporting you to realise that you need to understand the alternative view.

What skills and knowledge will I develop by studying this subject?

Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion

Learners will study:

• ancient philosophical influences

• the nature of the soul, mind and body

• arguments about the existence or nonexistence of God

• the nature and impact of religious experience

• the challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil

• ideas about the nature of God

• issues in religious language.

Unit 2: Religion and Ethics

Learners will study:

• normative ethical theories

• the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance

• ethical language and thought

• debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience

• sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.

Unit 3: Development in Religious

Thoughts - Christianity Learners will study:

• religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world

• sources of religious wisdom and authority

• practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition

• significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought

• key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.

This course would be suitable for students who have the following skills and interests:

Debate and discussion

Essay writing

Exploring challenging questions

Abstract thinking

Have the ability to question their own views

Enjoy argument and disagreement

Are happy for there not to be one right answer

What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?

Ethics and Philosophy can be studied at university as single or joint honours and graduates enter a range of careers in the public services as well as in the private sector. Furthermore, it opens up roots to other subjects at university such as Religious Studies and Theology. With the unique range of skills acquired through this study. Philosophy and Ethics A-Level is also a popular option for entry to many professional careers including: teaching, social work, human resources, the legal profession, nursing and the police or any job that requires you to think well, clearly and rigorously.

Assessment Overview

The A2 course culminates in three 2 hour exams all weighted at 33.3% of the A Level.

Each examination consists of 4 questions containing structured essays, covering the topics that are studied, of which you have to answer 3. These essays require the development of logically reasoned and evaluative argument.