Philosophy & Ethics A Level
Subject Name: Philosophy and Ethics (A-Level Religious Studies)
Level: Level 3
Examination Board: OCR
Assessment Overview:
Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion
Written exam: 2 hours, 120 marks
33.3% of A-Level
Paper 2: Religion and Ethics
Written exam: 2 hours, 120 marks
33.3% of A-Level
Paper 3: Developments in Christian Thought
Written exam: 2 hours, 120 marks
33.3% of A-Level
Course Content
Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion
- Unit 1: Ancient Philosophical Influences
- Unit 2: Soul, Mind and Body
- Unit 3: Arguments Based on Observation
- Unit 4: Arguments Based on Reason
- Unit 5: Religious Experience
- Unit 6: The Problem of Evil
- Unit 7: The Nature or Attributes of God
- Unit 8: Religious Language – Negative, Analogical or Symbolic
- Unit 9: Twentieth Century Perspectives and Philosophical Comparisons
Paper 2: Religion and Ethics
- Unit 1: Natural Law
- Unit 2: Situation Ethics
- Unit 3: Kantian Ethics
- Unit 4: Utilitarianism
- Unit 5: Euthanasia
- Unit 6: Business Ethics
- Unit 7: Meta-Ethical Theories
- Unit 8: Conscience
- Unit 9: Sexual Ethics
Paper 3: Developments in Christian Thought
- Unit 1: Augustine’s Teaching on Human Nature
- Unit 2: Death and the Afterlife
- Unit 3: Knowledge of God’s Existence
- Unit 4: The Person of Jesus Christ
- Unit 5: Christian Moral Principles
- Unit 6: Christian Moral Action
- Unit 7: Religious Pluralism and Theology
- Unit 8: Religious Pluralism and Society
- Unit 9: Gender and Society
- Unit 10: Gender and Theology
- Unit 11: The Challenge of Secularism
- Unit 12: Liberation Theology and Marx
Why Study Philosophy and Ethics?
- It is lively, fascinating and challenging. It will make you question every aspect of reality and every aspect of your own beliefs.
- Universities rate A-Level Religious Studies as a top subject to study alongside a primary subject.
- Learn to look at reality, the world around you and religious ideas in a different way.
- Develop a range of transferable skills which can be applied far beyond the study of Philosophy.
- Enables students to develop the ability to reason, form their own judgments, express themselves coherently and contribute to the process of debate
Why choose The Deanery?
Philosophy and Ethics (A-Level Religious Studies) is a rigorous course which works well with many other subjects. Essentially it encourages critical thinking, debate and the application of logic. From looking at reality and your own existence through to deeper thinking about right and wrong, the A-Level in Religious Studies has it all.
Consequently it works well with any Humanities subject (English, Geography, History, Law, Psychology, and Business Studies). The course also touches upon many elements of science and biology and many of our most successful students have complemented their philosophical studies with one of the sciences.
We have a dedicated team of staff who are experienced, passionate about the subject and committed to your success. You will enhance your understanding by studying in an enriching and creative environment and you will be offered opportunities for extra-curricular activities and educational visits. The Religious Studies faculty is well resourced and our staff is dedicated to supporting you throughout your studies. Small class sizes ensure you will receive all the care, attention and guidance you need!
What could this subject lead to?
This specification provides a suitable foundation for the further study of Philosophy, Religious Studies or Theology. As with any subject in the area of Humanities, students acquire a great range of skills, such as analysis, interpretation, critical thinking and the ability to produce extended evaluative pieces of writing. These are skills that will prepare students well for a range of courses in higher education and, beyond that, in employment generally. We prepare students for careers such as teaching, social work, the law, journalism, civil service or government, to name but a few!
