Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 in English Language or Literature
What will I study
During this course, you will learn about the fascinating disciplines of Philosophy and Ethics. In Philosophy, we start by looking at the history of western philosophy with a study of the ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle before going on to look at the traditional arguments for God’s existence. You will also discover what different people mean by the terms ‘God’, ‘miracle’ and ‘religious experience’ and consider how the language we use shapes our experience of reality; and explore issues surrounding the afterlife and the distinction between our body and our ‘soul’.
In Ethics, you will look at various ethical theories and how they relate to the world around us. From the strict rule-based systems of Kant to the simple, flexible principles of Situation Ethics, you will discover that there is more to ethical decision-making than meets the eye. You will also consider what we mean by the term ‘good’ - if it has any meaning at all - and how we make ethical judgements in different scenarios. Should businesses care about their employees, their consumers or the environment? Is it ever right to kill? What is conscience?
The Development in Christian Thought unit will allow you to explore the philosophical and ethical issues the course brings up from a Christian perspective. It delves into the history of Jesus, the Bible and the establishment of the Christian Church and considers the impact it has had on society. We will unpack the impact early theological thought has had on gender, class and religious pluralism in society... and how the Church has responded to a changing society.
How will I be assessed?
There will be three two-hour exams at the end of Year 13, on each of the units of study:
1. Philosophy of Religion
2. Religion and Ethics
3. Developments in Christian thought
Each exam is worth 33.3% of the overall qualification, and requires you to write three essays, from a choice of four. There is no coursework.
Day-to-day, you are expected to keep organised notes, with a summary and key questions section. At the end of each topic, you will have a knowledge quiz, and after every few topics you will have a comparative or evaluative essay to write.
Is this subject for me?
This course is for anybody who is fascinated by the big questions in life and who wants to find out what some of the greatest minds in history have said about them. You will need a passion for debating 'ultimate questions' and developing and discussing your views, whilst listening respectfully to the views of others (even if you disagree). You will also need an interest in the origins and impact of Christianity.
There is no assumed religious, philosophical or ethical knowledge though so please do not be put off applying if you have not studied this subject before.
Where can this lead me?
Students who take this subject alongside other literacy-based or Humanities subjects will have a superb platform from which to pursue any essay-based or Humanities degree. Many students have gone on to study Philosophy at University and have then gone on to careers in fields as varied as journalism, teaching, policing and civil service work.
Other students combine philosophy with science-based options, such as physics, which shows depth and breadth of study in university applications from engineering to quantum mechanics.
What else is there?
We invite in external speakers to add to enable deeper and wider discussion of the subject. In the past this has included Philosophy lecturers from the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton. Students have also attended a Philosophy and Ethics conference at Chichester Cathedral.
