Philosophy and Ethics A-Level

Subject: Philosophy, Ethics & Theology

Qualification Level: A Level

Qualification Duration: 2 years

Exam Board: OCR

Overview:

Philosophy, Ethics & Theology encourages students to develop an appreciation of religious thought, and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies. Students will develop a holistic understanding of religions by enquiring and evaluating the ultimate questions about the purpose and commitments of human life, especially as expressed in philosophy, ethics and religion. Students will undertake a scholarly approach to the subject and it will enable them to reflect on and develop their values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their studies, carrying out a critical enquiry into each topic taught. This will be carried out through the study of 3 main branches; Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Theology (Christianity). Each of these will be approached individually but students will also identify synoptic links between them.

Year 1 content:

Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion	Unit 2: Ethics	Unit 3: Theology
Ancient Philosophical influences: Plato & Aristotle The Nature of the soul, mind and body Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God Religious Experiences The challenge of the Problem of Evil	Normative ethical theories Application of ethical theories to the issues of: Euthanasia Business Ethics	Augustine’s teaching on human nature Death and the afterlife Knowledge of God’s existence The person of Jesus Christ Christian moral principles Moral action

 

Year 2 content:

Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion	Unit 2: Ethics	Unit 3: Theology
Ideas about the nature of God Religious language: Negative, Analogical or Symbolic	Meta-ethics Debates surrounding the idea of conscience: Aquinas & Freud Sexual ethics	Religious Pluralism & Theology Gender and society Gender and Theology The challenge of secularism Liberation theology and Marx

 

Trips and other costs:

Career and further study:

Critical enquiry skills, the ability to effectively formulate well-reasoned arguments and use evidence to support these and logical thinking, makes religious studies an appealing subject for universities and is often considered a ‘suitable preparation for university generally’, as its skills carve a pathway for a vast range of subjects including Law, Anthropology, History as well as continuing the study of Religion or Philosophy and Ethics (to name a few). It not only enables students to develop a vast range of skills but also an understanding of cultures and customs which prepares students for a wide range of careers including law, teaching, civil servants, public services, medicine and business (to name just a few)