Philosophy

PHILOSOPHY (AQA)

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, reason, mind, and language, often described as a "love of wisdom". It involves systematic, rational inquiry and critical analysis rather than scientific experiment, using reasoned argument to understand ourselves and the world.

 

A level Philosophy studies some of the same questions as RS (esp. The existence of God and moral theory). But it does not study any particular religion, and does not look at scripture. There are set texts presenting the theories and arguments of famous philosophers, but students are encouraged to engage with them critically rather than accept them as authoritative.

 

This subject will appeal particularly to those who have an interest in conceptual and abstract thought, a capacity for critical analysis, like arguing a case from all perspectives and can write clearly and fluently about their views.

 

Course Outline:

A Level Philosophy comprises four topic areas:

 

-       Epistemology - What is knowledge? What are its limits? Can it be innate? Must it be based on experience?

-       Moral philosophy - What makes action right or wrong? Are lying, stealing, eating animals and simulated killing wrong? Is there any objective basis for morality?

-       Metaphysics of God - Is the concept of God coherent? Can we prove he exists, or that he doesn’t? Can we even speak meaningfully about God?

-       Metaphysics of mind - What is the mind? Must it be something non-physical, to account for the unique nature of conscious experience? Or are we just biological machines, reducible to the physical?

 

Course entry requirements: Grade 6 GCSE in RS or a similar essay-based subject (History,

English etc). If you do not have this qualification but are interested in studying this A Level, please discuss with the Head of Department to assess your suitability.

 

Assessment: The course is 100% examination based. Students will sit two three hour long exams: one on Epistemology and Moral philosophy, the other on Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of mind.

Examiners want to see not only that you have LEARNED ABOUT philosophy, but that you can DO philosophy yourself. You will need to construct your own arguments for your own conclusions.

This will require you to develop a keen appreciation of logic, argument structure and conceptual analysis.

 

Career Paths: This subject is a particularly relevant preparation for studying humanities and social science subjects at university, but the wide range of skills and concepts involved in this flexible subject make it an effective preparation for any discipline requiring clear analytic thinking and communication. Students often go on to pursue a variety of careers in law, politics, journalism, advertising, publishing, media, research and finance.