Welcome to AS
Level
Philosophy
and Ethics!
Who am I?
And more
importantly….
Who are you??
. The OCR specification for the study of
Philosophy and Ethics builds on the knowledge,
understanding and skills that you may have
developed through the study of GCSE Religious
Studies.
It does not, however, assume or require any
previous study of the subject. It is designed
to support a course of study which is suitable
for everyone from any religious background (or
none).
No prior knowledge of the subject is required.
The specification builds on, but do not depend
on, the knowledge, understanding and skills
specified for GCSE Religious Studies. It is
recommended that you have attained
communication and literacy skills at a level
equivalent to GCSE Grade C in English
Why would you
choose
Philosophy
and Ethics?
You have wondered if there
are any explanations as to
who we are and what we are
doing here and how we
should behave!
You have ever considered a career
in journalism, civil service, police,
teaching, medicine, social services
or any career where you may be
dealing with the general public on
a personal level on a daily basis.
You enjoy using critical
thinking and analytical skills to
solve problems and dilemmas.
You have good literary
skills and want to use
them in a new and
challenging way.
You enjoy discussion
and debating moral and
philosophical issues.
You have a general interest
in religion and ethics and
enjoy learning what other
people think and believe.
You are enjoying RE at GCSE level and wish to
take it further – AS level Philosophy and Ethics is
now one of the most popular choices at KS5 –
with good reason!
You like to
challenge your
own beliefs and
learn what
others think.
You have an open
mind and would
enjoy seeking the
“truth!”
So what would you be
doing?
Philosophy of Religion
Ethics
Ethics
Unit G572: AS Religious Ethics
Ethical Theories
•
•
•
•
Natural Law
Kantian Ethics
Utilitarianism
Religious Ethics
Applied Ethics
• Abortion
• Euthanasia
• Genetic
Engineering
• War and Peace
Ethics
Unit G582: A2 Religious Ethics
• Meta-ethics
• Free will and determinism
• Conscience
• Virtue ethics
• Applied ethics topics
Philosophy of Religion
Unit G571: AS Philosophy of Religion
• Ancient Greek influences on
philosophy of religion.
• Judaeo-Christian influences on
philosophy of religion.
• Traditional arguments for the
existence of God.
• Challenges to religious
belief.
Philosophy of Religion
Unit G581: A2 Philosophy of Religion
• Religious Language
• Experience and Religion
• Nature of God
• Life and Death
• Miracles
What will lessons be like?
• A lot of lessons will be discussion based – so
you need to be prepared to think on your feet
and be prepared to share your thoughts with
others – note making is a MUST.
• Some lessons you will be researching using
textbooks or computers before presenting back
to the class
• A wide variety of media will be used to keep
you informed – and hopefully entertained.
• Copies of powerpoints (if used) can be emailed
if necessary but this is not a substitute for
taking your own notes
• If you miss a lesson it is your responsibility
to get the notes off a classmate.
Types of teaching and
learning.
We use a variety of teaching
and learning styles to meet
individual learning needs.
Including:
– Discussion
– Textbook
– Research
– Academic trips.
– Open learning
– Essays
– Presentations
– Group work
Assessment
G571: AS Philosophy of Religion
You are required to answer two two-part essay questions
from a choice of four.
50% of the total AS GCE marks
1.5 h written paper
70 marks Topics and themes in philosophy of religion.
G572: AS Religious Ethics
You are required to answer two two-part essay questions
from a choice of four.
50% of the total AS GCE marks
1.5 h written paper
70 marks Ethical theories and certain topics in practical
religious ethics.
You will also be given
regular essays as units
progress to enable you to
develop your essay writing
skills and to ensure your
understanding of completed
work – these will need to
be completed by set
deadlines.
How would I organise my
work?
• You will be expected to keep a file of
notes for both Philosophy and Ethics – a
lever arch binder is recommended.
• Lessons may well be discussion based and
you are expected to make your own notes
for purposes of revision
• You will be given handouts and
assignments and will be expected to keep
these in a safe place for easy reference.
• Organisation is a KEY SKILL for study at
AS/A Level.
• Your folder will be periodically checked
by your teacher so that we are able to
report on your progress
Is it better to question
the world around you or
to accept what you think
you know to be true?
How do you know what is
true?
Any questions please email Mrs
Collins or Mrs White directly
jcollins@highstorrs.sheffield.sch.uk
hwhite@highstorrs.sheffield.sch.uk
Or call
0114 267 0000
(just don’t expect any straight answers
if you want to become a philosopher!)