WILMINGTON GRAMMAR
CO-EDUCATIONAL SIXTH FORM
OCR A Level Religious Studies:
Philosophy and Ethics
Induction Pack
‘Philosophy begins in wonder’
Plato
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why we are here, what our purpose and value is
then this is the subject for you.
Philosophy and Ethics provides an essential component in any sound, general
education in two ways – by means of the understanding it provides of various
philosophical matters and by means of the general intellectual skills in logic,
the use of language and the assessment of evidence it inculcates.
Not only does philosophy provide an understanding of a wide range of
matters, but the matters dealt with are important and exciting. Consider: Is
human reason fallible? Does morality rest on arbitrary foundations? Is there
such a being as a God?
Philosophy and Ethics deals professionally with logic, the use of language,
and the assessment of evidence. As a result, this discipline is an especially
valuable training ground for the intellect.
How long is the course?
The full advanced level qualification is a two year course which consists of
the AS and A2 courses.
Who teaches the course?
Philosophy: Ms Walters (HoD RE WGSB)
Ethics: Mr Carter (HoD RS and Philosophy WGSG)
What qualifications do I need?
5 or more GCSE’s at grade C and above with a B grade in English Language.
Course structure
OCR AS Philosophy of Religion G571
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Ancient Greek Influence of Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle
Judaeo-Christian Influences on Philosophy of Religion
Arguments for the Existence of God
Problem of Evil
Science and Religion
OCR AS Religious Ethics G572
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Absolutism and Relativism
Natural Law Theory
Kantian Ethics
Utilitarianism
Religious Ethics
Ethical Issues: Abortion, Euthanasia, War and Peace and Genetic
Engineering
OCR A2 Philosophy of Religion G581
 Religious Language
 Religious Experience
 Miracles
 Nature of God
 Life After Death
OCR A2 Religious Ethics G582
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Meta Ethics
Free Will and Determinism
Conscience
Virtue Ethics
Environmental, Business Ethics and Sexual Ethics.
Departmental Expectations
Attendance at every lesson is expected. If an absence does occur it must be
agreed in advance and if an unexpected absence e.g. illness occurs, the
teacher of the lesson should be emailed beforehand. Students must take
responsibility for catching up missed work.
Homework and Independent work will be set and will include tasks such as
reading, note taking, research from relevant magazines, essays, essay plans,
mock exam questions and preparing group presentations.
Students are expected to be fully engaged and involved in lessons by taking
notes, asking questions, participating in discussions and group tasks and to
seek extra support and guidance to support and extend their learning.
How will it benefit me in the future?
According to The Times of London:
"The great virtue of philosophy is that it teaches not what to
think, but how to think. It is the study of meaning, of the
principles underlying conduct, thought, and knowledge. The
skills it hones are the ability to analyse, to question orthodoxies
and to express things clearly. However arcane some
philosophical texts may be--and not everybody can come to
grips with the demands of Austrian logical positivism-- the
ability to formulate questions and follow arguments is the
essence of education.
It can also be studied at many levels. In the US, where the
number of philosophy graduates has increased by 5 percent a
year during the 1990s, only a very few go on to become
philosophers. Their employability, at 98.9 percent, is impressive
by any standard. Philosophy has always been a good training
for the law; but it is equally useful for computer scientists. In this
country, the Higher Education Statistics Survey puts philosophy
of science right up with medicine in its employment record for
graduates.
Philosophy is, in commercial jargon, the ultimate 'transferable
work skill.'"
Philosophy and Ethics teaches you skills of evaluation and analysis which are
applicable to almost any walk of life. It is not just about what others think; it is
about learning to think for yourself. According to AGCAS – the Association of
Graduate Careers Advisory Service, RS/Theology graduates go into a wide
range of careers. However they, and employers, feel that it particularly
prepares students for the following careers:
Financial services, Legal sector (Law), Medicine, Politics, Consultancy,
Journalism, Education, Social care, community work.
And that’s not all. The skills you will develop will benefit you in any area
involving working with others showing initiative thinking for yourself…. that’s
just about anything!
Sixth Form Summer Induction Task
Philosophy and Ethics
Plato and Aristotle both aim to understand what remains constant in our ever
changing world. Your task is to investigate the theories each philosopher puts
forward to answer this question. You should primarily use Jostein Gaardner’s
Sophie’s World
In your written piece you must demonstrate your understanding of:
Both theories
The evidential or rational basis for the theories
The significance of Plato and Aristotle and their theories on the world of
Philosophy and Ethics
The comparison between the theories
Your response to the theories - in your opinion do Plato and Aristotle achieve
their goal?
Your answers need to presented in a written form, between 1 and 2 pages
long. Your answers should be supported by relevant and purposeful quotes
from Sophie’s World.
Success Criteria:
AO1: Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding
Select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding
through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and
terminology appropriate to the course.
A/B: Address the question specifically and select relevant material. Deploy
comprehensive and mostly accurate knowledge and use a range of
technical language and terminology accurately and consistently. Then
competently explain appropriate examples and/or relevant sources/scholars.
AO2: Analysis, Evaluation and Application
Critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence
and reasoned argument.
A/B: Construct a coherent and well-organised evaluative argument,
demonstrate an informed viewpoint and evidence thinking within the context
of understanding different arguments and views. Use proficient, fluent and
accurate language.
Recommended Reading/ Useful Websites/References:
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OCR Philosophy of Religion for AS and A2; Routledge. Matthew Taylor
OCR Religious Ethics for AS and A2; Routledge. Jill Oliphant
Ethical Theory (Access To Philosophy). Mel Thompson
Understanding Philosophy of Religion for AS & A2 (OCR). Ahluwahlia
Understanding Religious Ethics: A Complete Guide for OCR AS and A2
Textbook. Richard Wright
Ethical Studies. Robert Bowie. Nelson Thornes
Philosophy of Religion for A Level: Jorden, Locker and Tate. Nelson Thornes
RS Review
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The Puzzle of Ethics by Peter Vardy
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Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder (ISBN 1-85799-291-1) contains a brilliant
overview of the history of philosophy and philosophers in a narrative format. I
particularly recommend you read the chapters on: Kant, Plato, Aristotle,
Hume and Descartes
http://www.rsrevision.com/contents/index.htm
http://plato.stanford.edu/
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I have to be religious to study Philosophy and Ethics?
A. No, the course is designed to make you think for yourself. If you can think
and defend your own view in an academic manner then your view is always
valid.
Q. What subjects is Philosophy and Ethics compatible with?
A. Philosophy and Ethics is useful to study alongside any subject. It can be
studied alongside the Humanities (History, English, Business Studies and
Geography) or the Sciences, as the course involves analysis of the problems
of genetic engineering and even creation.
Q. Do I need to have studied it before?
A. No, but it helps to have at least a B in GCSE Religious Studies and English to
show you have developed written and evaluation skills. Many of the
concepts in the A/AS course will be new to everyone. The delivery of the
course is also very different to the GCSE as we have more curriculum time to
debate, evaluate and explore the concepts as well as enrichment
opportunities to really help you to engage in the subject.