A Level Philosophy

Within the first learning chapter you will develop a critical view of perceptions of knowledge. We will look at different theories such as realism and idealism. To develop this understanding, we will explore theories in innatism and the limits of knowledge.

Within the second learning chapter you will study ethical theories such as utilitarianism, Kantian deontological ethics, Aristotelian virtue ethics, applied ethics and meta-ethics.

Within the third learning chapter you will develop an understanding of the concept and nature of God. As part of this you will explore arguments relating to the existence of God and explore religious language. This learning chapter will have direct links with some of the GCSE content such as the Free Will Defence however, you will be building on this knowledge to analyse arguments about the existence of God.

One reason you should study Philosophy is that you will develop your critical thinking skills as the content encourage you to investigate profound questions about existence. Where they course encourages you to compose answers to complex questions it will also result in you asking lots of questions yourself. Not all these questions will have answers, but they will spark your curiosity.

Studying Philosophy can help you to be more open-minded as you will be encouraged to look at the world from different perspectives.

You will develop the following skills through the exposure to new content:

a) understanding the relations between ideas

b) the ability to spot flaws in arguments

c) the ability to argue

d) imagination: coming up with novel solutions and novel ideas

e) communication and conversation: philosophy is done through discussion and debate

1. Epistemology

2. Moral philosophy

3. Metaphysics of God

4. Metaphysics of mind

Paper 1 – Epistemology and Moral Philosophy – Written Paper: 3 Hours (50%) 100 marks

Paper 2 – Metaphysics of God and the Metaphysics of the Mind – Written Paper: 3 Hours (50%) 100 marks

To study Philosophy at A Level, students must achieve a Grade 6 or above in GCSE English to enable them to access the complex writing style and texts used.

Students must also achieve a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Ethics, if studied.

As with all A Level subjects, students must be prepared to carry out a considerable amount of private study and attend support sessions when appropriate.

You will develop skills to progress to higher education. The skills learnt will help all pupils to write clearly and provide precise thinking and writing.

If you did decide to continue studying philosophy at university, there are a range of careers utilising your thinking skills in a variety of positions:

• Politician
• Solicitor
• Financial Adviser
• Psychologist
• Arts Administrator
• Teacher or Lecturer
• Government Officer