GCE A Level Philosophy and Ethics

Course summary

A Level Philosophy and Ethics is a broad essay-based subject, providing knowledge and understanding of philosophical concepts, key thinkers (from Plato to Aristotle, to Kant and Freud), themes, texts and ways of thinking. It also draws light on many important ethical issues, like cloning, abortion and animal testing. You develop a new view on the issues which face modern society today, whilst developing transferrable skills needed for future studies and employment, and in everyday life. What you will learn in Year 12: • Arguments for the existence of God – design, ontological and cosmological • Religious experience • Evil and suffering • Ethical theories – natural moral law, situation ethics and virtual ethics • Christianity – God, sources of wisdom and authority, good conduct and moral principles • Expressions of religious identity What you will learn in Year 13: • Religious language • Miracles • Self, death and afterlife • Meta-ethics, the meaning of right and wrong • Free-will, moral responsibility and the conscience • Christianity – science, gender and sexuality, secularisation, migration, and pluralism • Dialogues between Christianity, philosophy and ethics Assessment: You will be assessed by two three-hour examinations taken at the end of Year 13. Looking ahead: A Level Philosophy and Ethics can sit alongside A Levels in the humanities, sciences and mathematical subjects. It is well respected by universities and employers since it nurtures transferable skills like empathy and understanding, good verbal and written communication, analytical abilities, independent learning, problem-solving, and team work. Possible future careers include medicine, nursing, law, teaching, journalism, politics, and more.