PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS
Do miracles really
happen?
How have Philosophers
tried to prove and disprove
the existence of God?
Does ‘good’ mean the
same for everyone?
Am I morally responsible
for my actions if I have no
control over them?
What does studying Philosophy and Ethics involve?
The primary aim is to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for a rigorous study of Philosophy and Ethics.
Students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills and adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective
approach appropriate to the specialist study of Philosophy and Ethics. There will be many opportunities to
debate current moral issues whilst developing personal values, opinions and attitudes.
Do I need to have done GCSE Religious Studies?
This course is for all students, whether they have GCSE Religious Studies or not. The course does not
assume or require any previous study of Philosophy and Ethics. Students should also have an open and
enquiring mind.
Level - AS and A2
AS
Specification
OCR
Website - www.ocr.org.uk
Philosophy of Religion - Ancient Greek and Judeo-Christian influences on religious philosophy,
Arguments for the existence of God, Challenges to religious belief.
Ethics - Absolute and relative morality, Ethical theories, Applied ethics (abortion, euthanasia, war and
peace and genetic engineering)
A2
Philosophy of Religion - Religious language, Religious experience, The Nature of God, Life after death
Ethics - Meta ethics, Freewill and determinism, Conscience, Virtue Ethics and Applied Ethics (business
and environmental ethics and sexual ethics)
How will I be assessed?
AS: Two exam papers both taken in the summer of the first year
A2: Two exam papers both taken in the summer of the second year
There is no course work at AS or A2 Level.
What can I do with Philosophy and Ethics?
Philosophy and Ethics fosters transferrable skills that are beneficial to any university course or career path.
The essential skills of debate, discussion, analytical writing and critical thinking are developed throughout
the course. Philosophy and Ethics complements most option combinations: it matches well with all the arts
based subjects or could act to broaden the choices of a student who is more science-oriented.
Will I go on any trips and how much will they cost?
Where visits and speakers organised, costs are low. They might involve local travel and small entrance fees.