Philosophy & Ethics – A-Level AQA
Course entry requirements
Preferably grade 6 in English Language/ English Literature or a subject requiring extended writing such as History.
OVERVIEW OF COURSE
Philosophy and Ethics (Religious Studies) is an engaging and exciting course that encourages students to think ‘outside the box’. Students gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education making students who have studied the subject desirable to Universities. Students interested in pursuing careers in law, education, social work, politics and medicine should consider studying Philosophy and Ethics at A-level.
In year 1 students will be introduced to ethical theory, examining controversial contemporary topics. Students will consider questions such as ‘is it ever acceptable to murder?’ and ‘how do we know what it mean to be ‘good?’’ . In Philosophy students will examine challenges to religious belief from science, philosophy and range of other disciplines, questioning whether evil and suffering in the world can strengthen or weaken belief in God.
In year 2 students are introduced to key beliefs and morality from religion. Students are expected to apply their knowledge from year 1 in order to critically analyse religious texts and beliefs in relation to modern society. Students will also study how religions have changed and adapted to suit the modern world and the challenges this has caused.
Students who are also studying Sociology, Psychology, Law, Politics and English would find Philosophy and Ethics a complimentary subject.
Component 1 -Section A: Philosophy of religion
Arguments for the existence of God – Evil and suffering – Religious experience
– Religious language – Miracles – Self and life after death.
Component 1 -Section B: Ethics & Religion
Ethical theories – Issues of human life and death – Issues of animal life and death
Introduction to meta ethics – Free will and moral responsibility – Conscience
Bentham and Kant.
Component 2 -Section A: Religion
Sources of wisdom and authority – God/gods/ultimate reality- Self, death and the afterlife – Good conduct and key moral principles – Expression of religious identity
• Religion, gender and sexuality – Religion and science – Religion and secularisation
Component 2 -Section B: Religion – The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion. How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on philosophy of religion in relation to the
Component 2 Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion.
Where can this course take me?
Philosophy and Ethics A ‘level develops a broad range of transferable skills to enable students to respond with confidence to the demand of undergraduate study and the world of work. It particularly develops the skills of critical thinking, analysis, debate and evaluation; skills particularly useful in careers such as journalism, law, politics, media, education, medicine and public relations.