Course Level: |
AS & A2 Level |
| Length of Course: |
AS One-year, which can be extended to the full A Level by completing the second year.
A2 Two years. |
Examination Board:
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AQA
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Description of Course: |
In Greek, Philosophy means the love of wisdom. It is an exciting and a challenging subject opening up new perspectives on the world and ourselves. It provides skills for clear thinking and challenges what one has always believed. Most of us at some time ask basic philosophical questions such as what is the purpose of our existence? Could we ever be justified in breaking the law? Could our lives be just a dream? and so on. The subject matter of Philosophy investigates some highly profound questions: What can we know about the world we live in? Is right or wrong simply a matter of culture? Is it rational to believe in God? Philosophy encourages independent thought and enables one not to simply accept what others write and say, at face value. Doing Philosophy is not easy though. It is difficult to understand the arguments and ideas but you will develop the skills with practice. Apart from reading the ideas and arguments of philosophers, you will develop clear thinking skills through discussion and debate.
The units for AS are:-
Unit 1: An Introduction to Philosophy 1
Some of the following themes will be studied: knowledge of the external world; why should I be governed?; why should I be moral?; the idea of God
Unit 2: An Introduction to Philosophy 2
Will deal with such issues as: reason, experience and justification; tolerance; God and the world; Free Will and determinism
The two units covered for the A2 are:-
Unit 3: Key Themes in Philosophy
Will deal with Political Philosophy; Moral Philosophy
Unit 4: Philosophical Problems
One of the following texts will be studied: Plato: The Republic or Mill On Liberty
To do Philosophy, you should have a genuinely inquiring and open mind. You should welcome the challenge of grappling with significant arguments and ideas. You should be keen on developing the skills and the cut and thrust of arguments and counter-arguments. |
Possible Career Pathways: |
| If you find the subject stimulating, you could study it at University or combine it with another subject (such as Sociology, Government & Politics, Psychology, English etc) in a Joint Honours Degree. A career in journalism, law, civil service, teaching and a range of careers that require clear analytical thinking skills. |
Further Advice: |
| Speak to Mr Shaheen at Kirkley High School for further information. |
Course Work Placement: |
| N/A |
Course Entry Guidelines: |
| N/A |
Course Additional Information: |
N/A
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