Course Description

Ethics & Philosophy looks at the deepest questions of them all. Is there a meaning to life? Why do we suffer? Can we prove that God does or does not exist? Is there life after death? Which is the real me – my mind or my body? What do we mean by ‘goodness’?

Contact:	Miss A Trevethan	Exam Board:	OCR
QAN:	60188686	Subject Code:	Re

The Course at A Level

Ethics: In Year 1, you will look at theories from different philosophers about how to decide what is right and wrong, such as Kant and Aquinas. You will then apply these theories to issues such as euthanasia and business ethics. In Year 2, you will study what we mean by the words ‘good’ and ‘right’ and will consider whether we have a conscience (and what this might be!). You will also apply your theories from Year 1 to sexual ethics.

Philosophy: In Philosophy, you begin by learning how to argue properly so that you can win debates! You will then consider ideas from Plato and Aristotle, debate the existence of God, consider the nature of the soul, mind and body, and explore religious experiences. In Year 2, you will build on your work in Year 1 by studying the concept of religious language and ideas about the nature of God.

Buddhism: Fascinating topics include studying the Buddhist meaning of life, which includes the idea that everything causes suffering and we should not become attached to material things. You will also study the foundations and beliefs of Buddhism, as well as exploring how Buddhists live their lives today. In Year 2, you will study the development of different strands of Buddhism, and the relationship between Buddhism and society in both the Far East and the West. The challenges of Buddhism will also be explored.

Please note this course can be studied if you did not take Religious Studies at GCSE, as long as you have attained a Grade 5 in your English GCSE.

Possible Subject Combinations 

Although it is technically a Humanities subject, Ethics & Philosophy overlaps with many other subject areas, including History, Politics, English (Language and Literature), Foreign Languages, Physics, Maths, Psychology and Sociology.

There is also a section of the course which looks at medical ethics which would be ideal for anyone looking to go into medicine/veterinary or paramedics.

What do the students say? 

“This subject has sharpened my ability to construct concise arguments, and has made me question the world around me. The enthusiasm of my teachers and their evident love of the subject has made this a thoroughly enjoyable course. I now understand why people make the decisions they do.”

“Ethics and Philosophy is my favourite subject because it gives me the opportunity to explore other people’s views on the bigger questions of life and how they align with my own. Studying Ethics, Philosophy and Buddhism at A-level has changed the way I see things; giving me an open and analytical mind to all areas of life. Every lesson is different and the debates in class make it a dynamic and fun learning environment for everyone to share their ideas.”

Where can Ethics and Philosophy take me? 

This subject is highly regarded as a rigorous academic degree course, which will develop a wide range of thinking skills and can be combined with most subjects. Ethics & Philosophy trains you to think about the deepest questions and put forward convincing arguments of your own.

Assessment