A level Philosophy & Ethics

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course ?

Students do not have to have studied RE at GCSE. but if it has been, then a grade B or above should have been attained. The subject requires students to be able to hold their own views whilst being open to those of others. Since the subject is largely essay based, students should have the ability to express a range of ideas clearly and logically in writing; any GCSE. Humanities subject would be useful here. Students may come from any religious persuasion or have no religious beliefs at all but you must come to the subject with an open mind.

What will I learn on the AS-level course?

This consists of three units :

• Introductory Unit : An introduction to philosophical thinking using the examples of Plato and Aristotle and the use of ethical language and the concepts of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’.
• Philosophy of Religion (i) : Arguments to prove the existence of God, why a loving God allows evil, the challenge of science and challenges from psychology (e.g. Freud and Jung) and sociology (e.g. Marx and Durkheim).
• Ethical Theories : Natural law, situation ethics, utilitarianism, virtue ethics and Kant.
• Religious Ethics (i) : Medical ethics e.g. abortion, genetic engineering, the right to life, euthanasia. Ideas of absolute right and wrong

There is no coursework at AS-level. There will be three exams. of 1 hour each. Students are expected to answer two structured questions in each exam.

What will I learn on the A2-level course ?

This consists of three units :

• Philosophy of Religion (ii) : Belief about life after death, miracles, religious experience and the authority of religious books.
• Religious Ethics (ii) : Human free will, what we mean by ‘conscience’, environmental ethics, sex, relationships, war and peace.
• Synoptic Unit : This assesses the student’s ability to connect the various elements already studied e.g. the relation between free will and the problem of evil, the relation between moral behaviour and life after death.

There are presently three exams.  of 1 ½ hours each. Students are expected to answer two essay questions in each paper. Students have the option of submitting a piece of coursework in place of one of the papers.

Where might this subject take me ?

In many areas of work, employers are looking for someone with an enquiring mind, an understanding and appreciation of other people’s points of view and an ability to make clear and informed decisions. These are skills that are developed in this subject. Furthermore, an AS or A-level in Religious Studies is accepted to be as a valuable an academic qualification as any other subject by all universities and colleges.

This course will give students an AS or A-level in Religious Studies.