Philosophy AS level

Philosophy, AS-level
About the Course
AS Level
Unit 1: An Introduction to Philosophy 1
Reason and experience:
How do we experience the world? What are empiricism and rationalism, the concept of mind as a blank slate and innate knowledge?
Persons: What are the characteristics of personhood? What is a person? How can we be sure that we are the same person through time?
Why should I be moral? Is it because morality is a social contract, or because it constitutes self-interest, or because it is a way of overcoming self-interest?
Unit 2: An Introduction to Philosophy 2
Knowledge of the external world:
You will look at the nature and extent of human experience. You will compare realism (you perceive the world as it is) with representative realism (you perceive the world only as your senses mediate) and idealism (reality is only in your mind).
The debate over free will and determinism:
Do you have control over your own life? Do you make your own decisions or is every decision you make pre-determined and inevitable? This topic encourages you to decide.
A2 Level
Unit 3: Key Themes in Philosophy Philosophy of mind: What is the mind? What is the relationship between the mind and the body? How are mental states identified, experienced and known?
Epistemology and metaphysics:
What can we really know, if anything? How can we justify knowledge? Can we have knowledge of a world beyond our sense experience? Can knowledge ever be objective?
Moral philosophy: You will question the existence of moral truths and examine differing moral theories that attempt to advise us in our moral decision-making.
Unit 4: Philosophical Problems Descartes, Meditations:
You will study Descartes†classical philosophical text with an emphasis on the issues he raises concerning how we can ever know anything with certainty, the existence of God and the distinction between the mind and the body.
Course Aims
The course aims to open your mind to some of the most interesting questions that human beings can ask. It will help you to think clearly and present your own ideas in a logical and coherent way.
What are the entry requirements?
How is the course assessed?
Each AS and A2 unit is assessed by a written examination.
Fees
No Course Fees for Under 19's. Over 19's must pay, or claim Level 2 or Level 3 Entitlement for FREE courses .
What next?
Due to its academic rigour, training in mental clarity and open mindedness, Philosophy is highly respected by universities and employers alike. The skills you will learn are transferable to all career paths and areas of interest.