Philosophy Blog

The new GCE Philosophy Specifications

AS outline

At AS, this specification will introduce candidates to a number of key philosophical themes, which provide a broad introduction to the study of philosophy.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: An Introduction to Philosophy 1

Topic list

Reason and Experience
Why should I be Governed?
Why should I be Moral?
The Idea of God
Persons

Assessment

Written Paper:	1 hour 30 minutes (90 marks)
Weighting:	50% of AS marks
	25% of A Level marks

The question paper consists of five questions: one question on each theme. Each question consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. Candidates must answer the compulsory question on Reason and Experience and one other question.

Unit 2: An Introduction to Philosophy 2

Topic list

Knowledge of the External World
Tolerance
The Value of Art
God and The World
The Debate over Free Will and Determinism

Assessment

Written Paper:	1 hour 30 minutes (90 marks)
Weighting:	50% of AS marks
	25% of A Level marks

The question paper consists of five questions: one question on each theme. Each question consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. Candidates must answer two questions.

Each question will be worth 20 marks.

You can download a student guide by clicking on the image below.

A2 outline

At A2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their understanding of key philosophical concepts, themes, texts and techniques. Candidates will be given the opportunity to specialise further, selecting two themes to study in depth and focusing on philosophical problems through the study of a key text. Problem areas relate directly to other areas of the specification and candidates will be able to draw on, develop and apply material from both the AS and A2 modules.

The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Key Themes in Philosophy

Topic list

Philosophy of Mind
Political Philosophy
Epistemology and Metaphysics
Moral Philosophy
Philosophy of Religion

Assessment

Written Paper:	2 hours (100 marks)
Weighting:	60% of A2 marks
	30% of A Level marks

The question paper consists of five sections: one on each theme. Each section contains two questions. Each question is worth 50 marks.

Unit 4: Philosophical Problems

Topic list

Hume
Plato
Mill
Descartes
Nietzsche

Assessment

Written Paper:	1 hour 30 minutes (60 marks)
Weighting:	40% of A2 marks
	20% of A Level marks

The question paper consists of five sections: one on each text. Each section contains one compulsory question worth 15 marks followed by two essay questions.

Candidates must choose one section and answer the compulsory question and one essay question.

The compulsory question is worth 15 marks and the essay questions are worth 45 marks.