A/AS Philosophy

A/AS Philosophy

What is Philosophy?
The new AS Level in Philosophy emphasises the development of philosophical skills, especially argumentation. So as a student of philosophy you will embark on a journey of thinking, especially approaching fundamental questions using a process of logical argument. You will discover that philosophers, past and present, deal in arguments â€" they invent them, criticise other people or do both. You will analyse and clarify concepts tracing a tradition from the Ancient Greek to 21st Century modern thinkers.

If you enjoy reading and like to criticise and question the assumptions of life then you will enjoy philosophy. Sometimes the subject requires a high level of abstract thought, but it is no different from any other subject, once key terms become familiar and you learn some of the peculiar language used by some philosophers, then the subject is stimulating and challenging but manageable.

Is Philosophy suitable for me?
Philosophy is an excellent course if you are prepared to change your thought processes, and work hard. Students do not find their initial experiences of philosophy easy, however it is suitable to those with a logical mind and a good grade in Mathematics and English.

How will I learn?
You will be reading or preparing presentations. You will use current newspapers, the internet, radio broadcasts and video to apply philosophical argument to deepen your understanding of thinking and moral behaviour. You will write essays and take part in class discussion and debates.

The theme for A level Philosophy is the Real and the Ideal, as such we will study the following modules:

• Knowledge of the External World
• The Idea of God?
• Reason Experience and Justification
• God and the World

You will read extracts from over forty great thinkers including, Descartes, Russell and Plato, as you get to grips with these modules, so you must be prepared to do some difficult thinking on the Philosophy AS.

How will I be assessed? AS Level: Knowledge of the External World and The Idea of God

Unit One : Introduction to Philosophy 1

Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes - Two Questions on Two Themes - 25% of A level

Unit Two : Introduction to Philosophy 2

Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes - Two Questions on Two Themes - 25% of A level

A2 Level: Reason and Experience and God and the World

Unit Three : Key Themes in Philosophy

Written Paper, 2 hours - Two Questions on Two Themes - 30% of A level

Unit Four : Philosophical Problems

Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes - Two Questions, one compulsory and one with two options - 20% of A level

You will be expected to draw conclusions and evaluate philosophical themes from all four modules. You will consider questions like: What is the role of the individual in the state? When is it permissible to resist laws? Is the cultivation of excellence the highest good?

Progression
You will never regret learning to think and many areas require exactly that, law, computer programming, management consultancy, the civil service and journalism, all occupations that demand clear thinkers. Philosophy is also a subject studied for pleasure , a life-long journey as a lover of wisdom .

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where applicable). Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential £25 for text books which includes the necessary set texts

Optional: You may consider subscribing to a Philosophy magazine.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: AQA 1171/2171

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