Philosophy A and AS level introduce students to some important philosophical ideas, their development and importance today. Through the study of philosophy, students develop their abilities to analyse, reason and form judgements, to express themselves coherently and to contribute to the process of debate.

The courses

Philosophy will be offered at A and AS levels. The AS level course lasts one year and students who wish to continue may complete a further year's course to obtain the A2 qualification. The combination of AS and A2 will be equivalent to the old style A level.

AS Philosophy

This subject is examined by three papers of one hour's duration. It includes questions on:

1) Epistemology - This unit examines what can be known and how knowledge is acquired. It includes consideration of perception, scepticism, reason and experience.

2) Philosophical texts - one question chosen from Plato, Descartes, Marx & Engels and Sartre.

3) Philosophical themes - one question chosen from ethics and philosophy of religion.

 

A2 Philosophy

 

This subject is examined by two papers of one hour's duration and an extended essay. The written paper will include questions on:

1) Philosophical themes - one question chosen from philosophy of mind, political philosophy and philosophy of science.

2) Philosophical texts - one question chosen from Aristotle, Hume, Mill, Nietzsche, Ayer, Russell.

The extended essay is written on an area of the student's choice. This will give students an opportunity to demonstrate synoptic knowledge of the philosophy they have studied.

Subject choice

No particular background of GCSE subjects is assumed in philosophy but a high level of general literacy is a distinct advantage since the subject requires the study of historical and difficult texts alongside a good deal of essay writing. An interest in the foundations of and connections between academic disciplines is important as is a willingness to debate, attend lectures and think critically.