AS/A2 Philosophy

AS/A2 Philosophy
AS/A2

Philosophy gives you an opportunity to challenge received ideas. It teaches you to think methodically and critically, develops your analytical and reasoning skills and examines how philosophical ideas relate to present-day issues. You will explore moral and political issues, and question things we normally take for granted, such as the existence of the physical world. You will study a variety of complex theories, including those of major philosophers; Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume and Mill. We will help you learn through group work and whole-class teaching and presentations, using a variety of media and ICT. You will research in class and in your own time, reading about complex ideas and concepts and writing both short responses and longer essays containing your own reasoned arguments.

AS Course Content
Unit 1: An Introduction to Philosophy 1

You will study two of three topics:
1. Reason and Experience

Are ideas and knowledge derived from our experiences, or do we acquire them through our minds and reason?
2. Why should I be governed?

Do we have an obligation to obey the state? If so, why? Is civil disobedience ever morally justified?

Unit 2: An Introduction to Philosophy 2

You will study a further two topics:

1: Tolerance

Should a culture which encourages tolerance, civility and respect for others be nurtured? Should a liberal society tolerate a minority culture that doesn't respect its values?

2: The value of art

Is art valuable for its own sake as well as being used to express and change moral, political and religious ideas?

A2 Course Content
Unit 3: Key Themes in Philosophy

There are two topics:
1. Political Philosophy

You will consider how human wellbeing can be advanced or hindered by the organisation of society and political structures.
2. Moral Philosophy

You will study the existence and nature of moral truths and consider how moral decisions are made.

Unit 4: Philosophical Problems

Set Text: On Liberty â€" J.S. Mill

You will study On Liberty throughout both years, and study the text in depth in this unit. Students are expected to use knowledge of the text as a springboard for wider discussion and engagement of issues and apply their acquired knowledge to a philosophical problem, such as freedom and development of the individual, or democracy.

Assessment

Assessment is by examination.

Is Philosophy for me?

You will enjoy and benefit from Philosophy if you:

l are interested in the development of human thought over recorded history;

l are keen to challenge received wisdoms and to look at life from different angles;

l have the ability to relate to theoretical concepts and to examine issues logically and systematically;

l can explore ideas through discussion and in written work;

l are keen to carry out independent investigative research, including extensive reading and using the internet.

Philosophy and your future

Philosophy can lead to a range of further studies and careers in both science and the arts including politics, history, law, journalism, economics, business, and various fields of academic research.