The Religious Studies course gives you the opportunity to explore the three key strands of religion, philosophy and ethics in depth. There will be the opportunity to discuss and debate ideas both within the classroom and beyond, with trips to key talks and exhibitions and a planned visit to the home of Ancient Philosophy in Athens.
Subject Information
In Philosophy of religion learners will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief. These include arguments regarding the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the problems of evil and suffering. They will also explore philosophical language and thought, through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers, illustrated in issues or debates in the philosophy of religion.
Religion and ethics is characterised by the study of ethical language and thought, with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers. Ethical theory will also be applied to issues of importance; namely euthanasia, business ethics, and sexual ethics.
Developments in Christian thought provides an opportunity for the systematic study of Christianity. This will include the exploration of religious beliefs, values, teachings and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdom and authority. Also central are the ways in which religious traditions have developed over time, and religious responses to challenges and significant contemporary social issues.
Course Details
This course encourages you to think for yourself in a careful, clear and critical way. You will read original philosophical texts and engage in lively classroom discussion and debate to help you refine your ideas about a wide range of philosophical theories and ethical dilemmas.
You will study four modules:
- Epistemology – what are knowledge, perception and reason as sources of knowledge, the limits of knowledge
- Moral Philosophy – normative and ethical theories, applied ethics and meta-ethics
- Metaphysics of God – the concept and nature of God, arguments relating to the existence of God, religious language
- Metaphysics of Mind – what we mean by ‘mind’, dualist theories, physicalist theories, functionalism
Each topic is examined through responses to five questions in a final written exam. Some of the questions are low tariff, requiring a sentence, paragraph or page answer; there is also a high-tariff question for each topic which requires you to develop an argument over around four sides of A4 paper.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE English.
Where could Philosophy take me?
Philosophy is highly valued by top universities as one of the most intellectually challenging A levels. It hones your skills of analysis and your ability to construct solid arguments, a skill that is directly transferable to most academic and job training courses. Many Philosophers go on to careers in law, journalism and public services.
