Philosophy GCE A Level

Philosophy GCE A Level

Qualification: AS/A2 - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
4 x GCSE B grades

It is also strongly recommended that students have at least a 'B' grade in GCSE English due to the nature of assessment in Philosophy, which is essay-based.

Head of Department: Mr Glenn Skelhorn

Course assessment:
At AS level, by two 1.5 hour written exams. At A2 level, likewise, assessment will be by two written exams. There is, therefore, no coursework requirement for Philosophy.

What can this course offer me?
Do I really have free will? What is the fundamental nature of the universe? Does morality really exist? Do we have a human nature? Is there a meaning to life? What makes art valuable? Can we ever know anything for certain? Who am I? - if you enjoy contemplating questions such as these, Philosophy may be the course for you!
Philosophy, literally translates as 'love of wisdom' and is concerned with questions of how one should live, what sort of things exist, what counts as genuine knowledge and determining the correct principles of reasoning. It is often argued that an understanding of oneself and one's place in the world can only be gained through serious thinking and discussion of philosophical questions. This attitude is neatly summed up by the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, who declared that 'the unexamined life is not worth living'.

What will I learn?
At AS Level you will study:

Units 1 & 2
In these introductory units, you will be engaging with problems which have occupied the world's most prominent philosophers for centuries. These include:

• Do we experience the world as it really is or is human perception merely one interpretation of the world?
• Why should I be governed? What would life be like without rulers?
• Do we acquire knowledge through thinking rationally or through experience?
• What is the value of art? Does good art have particular formal qualities which it needs to display or perhaps it should imitate reality or express and evoke emotions?

At A2 level, you will extend your philosophical knowledge, understanding and skills through the study of Epistemology (what can I know?) and Metaphysics (what really exists?), Political Philosophy , and Nietzsche's text, 'Beyond Good & Evil' .

What Makes a good Philosophy student?
By far the most important thing is to have a natural interest in philosophical and ethical ideas; those who already find themselves pondering 'the big questions' tend to find this subject highly rewarding and stimulating.

Which other courses link well with this subject?
The ability to think critically, creatively and with clarity is as relevant to Physics as it is to Art, History, Politics, english, Psychology and Mathematics. Whichever combination you choose, Philosophy can help you to flourish in your studies.
Future Opportunities
Many students go on to study Philosophy at university, sometimes in combination with other subjects. Those going into areas such as Medicine, Law, Journalism, or Politics find the skills developed in studying Philosophy particularly valuable - every hospital, for example, has its own ethics committee to oversee the kind of life-and-death decisions we discuss in Moral Philosophy.

Philosophy is a life-enhancing subject where the emphasis is on self-development, self-understanding, and social integration; so, whatever you choose to do, studying Philosophy will help you to do it better and lead a more fulfilled life.
Is there anything else I need to know?
"Let no one delay the study of philosophy while young nor weary of it when old." - Epicurus