Philosophy & Ethics

Lead: Ms Stephenson

Email: nstephenson12.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk

Subject overview

In philosophy of religion learners will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief. These include arguments regarding the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the problems of evil and suffering. They will also explore philosophical language and thought through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers, illustrated in issues or debates in the philosophy of religion.

Religion and ethics is characterised by the study of ethical language and thought, with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers. Ethical theory will also be applied to issues of importance; namely euthanasia, business ethics, and sexual ethics.

Developments in religious thought provides an opportunity for the systematic study of one religious tradition Christianity. This will include the exploration of religious beliefs, values, teachings, and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdomand authority. Also central are the ways in which religious traditions have developed over time, and religious responses to challenges and significant contemporary social issues.

“It allows us to think creatively with finding our way around philosophical arguments and encourages us to always look to see the bigger picture” - Student

Exam Board: OCR

Course Specification: H573

Qualification obtained: OCR A Level in Religious Studies

Entry requirements:

Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.

Grade 5 in Religious Education and 5 in English Language

What you will study

Philosophy and Ethics A level is split into three components which are equally weighted.

Year 12

Topics covered:

Philosophy of Religion – philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief

• Ancient Greek influences

• The Problem of Evil

• Religious experience

• Arguments based on reason

• Arguments based on observation

• Soul, Mind and Body

Religion and Ethics – the study of ethical language and thought

• Natural Moral Law

• Situation Ethics

• Kantian Ethics

• Utilitarianism

• Euthanasia

• Business Ethics

Developments in Christian Thought – systematic study of Christian beliefs, values, teachings and practices

• Augustine and human nature

• Death and the afterlife

• Knowledge of God’s existence

• The person of Jesus Christ

• Christian moral principles

• Christian moral action

Year 13

Topics covered:

Philosophy of Religion – philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief

• The Nature and Attributes of God

• Religious language: Negative, Analogical or Symbolic

• Twentieth-century perspectives and philosophical comparisons

Religion and Ethics – the study of ethical language and thought

• Meta-ethical theories

• Conscience

• Sexual Ethics

Developments in Christian Thought – systematic study of Christian beliefs, values, teachings, and practices

• Liberation theology and Marx

• The Challenge of Secularism

• Gender -Theology and Society

• Religious pluralism – society and theology

Assessment

Assessment percentage:

100% Exam

Unit Code	Unit Title	Assessment	Weight
01	Philosophy of Religion	Written Examination: 120 marks, 2hr	33.33%
02	Religious Ethics	Written Examination: 120 marks, 2hr	33.33%
03	Developmentsin Religious Thought W	Written Examination: 120 marks, 2hr	33.33%

Progression routes

As a humanities-based subject philosophy & Ethics will open a range of pathways post-18 including law, forensic, social work, arts, teaching and medicine.

Careers resources