RELIGIOUS STUDIES: Philosophy & Ethics
Examination Board: OCR
Course Tutors:
Mr P Montague, Mrs Van Leeuwen, Mrs Aimee Fooks and Mrs Gill
Miller
In an age of increasing spiritual diversity and a lack of moral leadership, this course gives
students the opportunity to address the most profound philosophical questions about human
existence. The course is academically rigorous and requires good levels of literacy and
communication skills.
‘AS’ Level
Course outline: We have chosen two popular options: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. In
the Philosophy section we examine the major religious questions about the existence of “God”,
the problem of believing in God in the face of suffering. In Ethics we examine how and why
humans make decisions about what is right or good behaviour, and we look at specific ethical
issues.
Teaching and Learning Styles: A level Religious Studies classes in the Sixth Form are
generally energetic affairs. There is a mixture of teacher-led learning, individual study, and
student-led sessions. The common denominator is that students are always challenged to think
and respond to the issues tackled. Students must enjoy thinking rationally and challenging their
own preconceptions about life.
Units: 1
2
Philosophy of Religion – An introduction to the fathers of western philosophy,
Plato and Aristotle. A study of the philosophical arguments for and against the
existence of God. The challenges to religious belief; the problem of evil/suffering
and the relationship between religion and science.
Ethics - A study of various ethical theories including Utilitarianism and
Kantianism, the relationship between religion and morality, and certain areas of
applied ethics – abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, and war and peace.
Assessment: Unit 1
Unit 2
‘A2’ Level
1.5 hour exam
1.5 hour exam
50%
50%
-
January
June
Course outline: Philosophy and Ethics as above, building on the AS content and dealing with
more problematic philosophical and ethical issues.
Teaching and Learning Styles: Largely as the AS course but with more student-led sessions.
Units: 1
2
Philosophy of Religion – Philosophical and theological difficulties concerning
religious experiences and miracles, beliefs about life after death and the use of
religious language.
Ethics – The philosophical problems with freewill and determinism, and the
problem of conscience. The practical moral problems of environmental and sexual
ethics.
Assessment: Unit 1
Unit 2
1 ½ hour exam
1 ½ hour exam
50%
50%