Philosophy & Ethics

Course

Philosophy & Ethics

Exam Board

OCR

For more information contact Head of Department:

Mr P Katumba - pkatumba@stedmunds.org

Brief introduction to subject:

Students need to read the additional material that will be given throughout the course and regularly read newspapers. They are expected to make full use of the department and the school library. It is suggested that prior to starting the course, students read Michael Reeves ‘The Good God’.

The key points of this specification are that:

The course will be delivered over two years and assessed terminally at the end of the two years in three papers.
Students can engage in the use of ICT to deliver presentations to the rest of the class.
Students can engage in paired and group work.
Students are able to set themselves targets to provide direction.
Students develop analytical and evaluative skills essential for university.
Students develop reasoning and discussion skills essential for university.

This is an exciting specification, which enables students to: study the Theology, Philosophy of Religion and Ethics using various critical, analytical, evaluative approaches in all these areas.

What our students say

“It helps your understanding of current affairs and gives you the opportunity to express your own opinion.”

Course Requirements

RE - Grade 5

English - Grade 5

Assessment

Philosophy of religion (01) 120 marks 2 hour written paper 33.3% of total A Level

Religion and ethics (02) 120 marks 2 hour written paper 33.3% of total A Level

Developments in religious thought (03–07) 120 marks 2 hour written paper 33.3% of total A Level

Paper 1 Philosophy of Religion

· Philosophical issues, questions and Schools of Thought · Ancient Philosophy (Plato and Aristotle) · Soul Mind and Body Debate · Empiricism · Rationalism · Religious Experience · Problem of Evil and Theodicy · Nature of God · Religious Language

Religion and Ethics 1

Significant concepts in issues, theories and debates in religion and ethics · Natural Law · Situation Ethics · Kantian Deontology · Utilitarianism · Meta-Ethics

Applied Ethics: · Business Ethics · Euthanasia · Conscience · Sexual Ethics

Paper 3: Theology

Developments in religious thought which will include: · Augustine on Human Nature · Death and beyond · Knowledge of God’s Existence · Christology · Christian Moral Philosophy · Applied Christian Moral Philosophy · Pluralism in Theology · Religious Pluralism in Society · Gender in Theology · Gender and Society · Secularism · Liberation Theology

An ‘A’ Level in Philosophy equips you with many of the skills required for other disciplines such as Law, Psychology, Journalism, Public Relations (PR), the Medical/Caring Profession etc. A Philosophy qualification shows universities and employers that you have the ability to analyse, evaluate and be critical; and that you have a capacity for human insight, sufficient cultural appreciation and global awareness. Finally, some may use this qualification as a stepping-stone for a vocation in Ministry; or to major in Philosophy and Ethics or Theology with the view of becoming an Academic.