3 - Philosophy SL
Course summary
Why study Philosophy? The most important reason to study Philosophy is that it is a fascinating subject. All of us have to face questions about right and wrong; life and death; about what we can believe, and what we should be sceptical about. Philosophy will help you ask these questions well. Philosophy is also a practical subject, and you will develop life skills prized by universities and employers. You will learn how to think and write clearly, how to spot a bad argument, and how to make a good one. These skills are invaluable in careers such as law, medicine, journalism, and science. Philosophy will give you a deeper perspective on your other IB subjects. For example, in English, your study of ethics might help you analyse the qualities that make a character in a novel heroic or villainous. Similarly, students who study Philosophy tell us that they have a much deeper understanding of the issues raised in the core TOK course.
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
| Requirement | Rule | You |
|---|---|---|
English Literature | Grade 6 in English Literature | — |
English Language Alternative route | Grade 6 in English Language | — |
History Alternative route | Grade 6 in History | — |
Geography Alternative route | Grade 6 in Geography | — |
Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics) Alternative route | Grade 6 in Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics) | — |
Citizenship Studies Alternative route | Grade 6 in Citizenship Studies | — |
Sociology Alternative route | Grade 6 in Sociology | — |
Psychology Alternative route | Grade 6 in Psychology | — |
Business Alternative route | Grade 6 in Business | — |
Economics Alternative route | Grade 6 in Economics | — |
Government and Politics Alternative route | Grade 6 in Government and Politics | — |
As published by the school
GCSE Grade 6 in English Literature and English Language or a Humanity.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility:Sign in to check eligibilitySign in and add your predicted grades to check this course against them — no verdict is implied without your grades.
Assessment
External Assessment: Paper 1 – 1 hour 45 minutes exam – 50% Being Human (core theme): This provides an opportunity to explore the question of what it means to be a being, focusing on whether humans are defined by our reason and logic; by emotions and instincts; or whether humans are a ‘blank slate’ shaped entirely by the world around them. Optional Theme 1: Ethics The study of key issues in Ethics, such as ‘What does it mean to give a good life?’ and ‘How should we treat other people?’ We also study key problems in medical and environmental ethics. Paper 2 – 1 hour exam – 25% Study of Descartes’ Meditations How do you know that you are awake now, rather than dreaming of being awake? Your study of Descartes will help you answer fascinating questions about reality, God, and the soul. Internal Assessment (Coursework) – 25% Students choose a piece of culture, such as a poem, film, or painting, and analyse it philosophically. Students’ choices have included everything from Munch’s The Scream to Star Wars!
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