Philosophy & Ethics

Course summary

Religious Studies comprises of Philosophy, Ethics, and Developments in Religious Thought, which are studied separately, usually with different teachers. Philosophy is the search for truth and it questions how we claim to know reality, it therefore, explores the development of ideas. During the course students concentrate on key philosophers and learn about these and the impact their thoughts have had on religious ideas. Ethics is the study of ideas of what is moral, i.e. right and wrong, and again students focus on important ethical theories that have made an impact upon modern ideas of right and wrong. The development of religious thought investigates how religious beliefs, values and teachings can shape society and why these become a source of wisdom and authority in communities. It is not necessary for students to follow a religion in order to take this subject, but all students should be hard-working and have an interest in the subject. Students will be encouraged to think for themselves and to express their evaluations of the Philosophers they study.