3 - Philosophy HL
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 |
|---|---|---|
GCSE qualifications | 5 gcse qualifications at grade 6.0 or above | — |
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 or English Language or a Humanity.
Am I eligible?
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Assessment
External Assessment: Paper 1 – 2 hours 30 minutes exam – 40% Being Human (core theme): As for Standard Level Optional Theme 1: Ethics As for Standard Level Optional Theme 2: Philosophy of Religion This paper asks questions about God and the supernatural, such as “Does God exist”; and “Are miracles real?” as well as investigating contrasting perspectives of atheism and humanism. We also consider how mediums, such as technology, have changed religion. Paper 2 – 1 hour exam – 20% Study of Descartes’ Meditations As for Standard Level Paper 3 – 1 hour exam – 20% Exploring Philosophical Activity In this exam, students reflect on the nature, methods, and purpose of philosophy. Internal Assessment (Coursework) – 20% 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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