Exam Board: AQA
Philosophy predates all other subjects on the curriculum - an ancient discipline which saw Man’s first attempts to understand the world around us. It is the attempt to answer the biggest questions that have puzzled Man throughout history: Is there a God? What is the Mind? How do we decide what is right and wrong? These are all questions that philosophers find deeply puzzling and argue about passionately; they are also questioning which don’t have easy or obvious answers.
In year 12, you will tackle Epistemology: the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge. This will include a consideration of the following big questions: Are our senses more reliable than my mind? Do atoms really exist? Is there anything that we can be certain of?
In addition to this, we will explore the nature of the mind and its relationship with the body in the unit Philosophy of Mind, considering: Is the mind the same thing as the brain or do we have a soul? Can I know if other people have minds? Is my mind similar or different to a computer?
In year 13, you will undertake a study of Ethics or Moral Philosophy wherein we will contemplate how one decides what is actually right and wrong. Within this, we will consider such big questions as: Do our intentions or the consequences of our actions matter more? Can we agree on what it means to be a good person? Is it wrong to eat meat? Does it matter if I play violent video games? Are there really any right or wrong acts or is it all a matter of opinion?
Finally, you will complete a unit on Philosophy of Religion which involves all the main areas of philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. Herein, we will explore whether the existence of God be proved? Does the beauty of the world prove God? Does the evil in the world disprove God? Is it even worth discussing ideas that cannot be proved?
100% examination
General college entry requirements plus a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language.
Philosophy is a very challenging A Level that demonstrates to employers and universities that you are a creative and critical thinker. Universities and employers value this qualification and there is evidence that philosophy graduates have higher levels of employment than many other courses.
“Some of those students will go on to apply those skills in an academic setting, but many will find work across a whole range of professions, in law, finance, government, policing, media, teaching, writing and business.” Wayne Martin (University of Essex – quoted in Times Higher 2009)