Philosophy

Course Content
A level Philosophy splits into four sections assessed in two exam papers.

Section 1 Epistemology – We all believe we know some truths; however, could we explain what it means to know a claim? How does knowing differ from having an opinion or a belief, if at all? This is the first big question of this unit of work. We all perceive things every day. We see, touch, taste, hear and smell; however, could we explain in a clear fashion what happens in every instance of perception? This is the second big question of this unit of work. Finally, we all have ideas and knowledge; however, would we be comfortable explaining where all of our ideas and knowledge come from? Are ideas only gained through experience? If this is the case where do our ideas of things we have never experienced, nor ever could experience, come from?

Section 2 Moral philosophy – Many great thinkers have claimed that every person wants to do the morally right action but sometimes, despite our best intentions, we find it hard to determine what the morally right action is. The first big question of this section of the course is: does a method exist for establishing what is the best moral action in every situation I could find myself in? Three classic methods are explored and applied. The second big question for this portion of the course is: what does ethical language even mean? We say some actions are right and others wrong, but in what way? Are moral actions right or wrong in the same way mathematics is right or wrong? Or are moral actions right or wrong in the same way some art is good and other art not so good?

Section 3 Metaphysics of God – Many millions of people of many different faiths have claimed to believe that God exists. Their beliefs have impacted upon their behaviour, and decisions which believers make affect nonbelievers lives too. The first big question of this portion of the course is: does the idea of God even make sense? Does the idea of God have internal contradictions? A further big question follows: can God’s existence be proved? The course covers three of the classic arguments for the existence of God. The third big question of this section of the course is: how are we to make sense of talk about God? Many people will say things like, ‘God is my shield’ or ‘God looks over me’; however, what sense can be made of these statements, if the person saying them also believes that God is a spiritual being outside of space and time?

Section 4 Metaphysics of Mind – As you have read this hand out you have explored certain thoughts; however, what is a thought? And who is it that does the exploring of your thoughts. Clearly your eyes scanned this page but presumably your eyes alone cannot think. You might say that it is your brain that thinks thoughts. But what is a brain? Isn’t a brain made out of exactly the same basic material as an eye? And if this is the case what is it that separates a brain from an eye and allows the former to think whereas the later cannot? We could sum up all of these questions in one big question: are you just matter (physical stuff) or is there a non-material, mental element to you as well?

What kinds of student are most suited to this course?
Those who are inquisitive, open minded, resilient to challenge, enjoy a good argument, and can produce detailed and cogently-argued essays. Students are expected to be able to read, not necessarily long, but certainly argumentatively dense prose. Above all, you will be required to think! Long-cherished assumptions may be challenged, but you will emerge with a clearer understanding of the world around you.

Due to the challenging nature of the course, students would normally be expected to have a grade 6 or above in English at GCSE.