Philosophy & Ethics
Lead: Ms Stephenson
Email: nstephenson12.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview
A-Level Philosophy and Ethics challenges students to think deeply about the world around them. It explores fundamental questions about existence, morality, truth, and humanity. This subject encourages critical thinking, logical analysis, and respectful discussion and debating which is highly valued in Higher Education (HE) and beyond.
Philosophy and Ethics looks in-depth to the following questions:
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To what extent do different religious views on the nature of God impact arguments for the existence of God?
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Are modern arguments about the ‘problems of evil’ effective in proving God's non-existence?
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Can religious belief be considered neurosis?
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Do religious experiences have an impact on religious belief and practice?
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To what extent are religious communities entirely dependent on religious experiences?
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Are arguments asserting either the meaningfulness or meaninglessness of religious language persuasive?
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Can God command morality?
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Is being a good person better than doing good deeds?
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Are moral terms intuitive?
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To what extent does proportionalism promote moral behavior?
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Should religious believers accept predestination?
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To what extent do religious believers have free will?
“Philosophy and Ethics challenges me to ask and try to answer questions without always getting a definite answer. This helped me develop skills such as debating and communication, which will help me in the future.” – Student
Exam Board: Eduqas
Course Specification: A120
Qualification obtained: GCE A Level Religious Studies
Entry requirements:
Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.
Grade 5 in English Language
What you will study
The A-Level is made up of three components:
Component 1- The study of Buddhism:
Students explore key Buddhist beliefs and practices. Students examine concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, enlightenment, karma, and meditation. The course also looks at Buddhist views on gender, authority, pluralism, and the monastic community (Sangha), while considering how Buddhism responds to modern ethical and philosophical challenges.
Component 2 - Philosophy of Religion:
Students explore key philosophical issues including deductive arguments for God’s existence (such as the ontological argument), the problem of evil and suffering, and challenges to religious belief. This component includes examining belief as a product of the human mind through thinkers like Sigmund Freud and evaluating atheism and the rise of secularism. Critical thinking and reasoned debate are central throughout.
Component 3 - Religion & Ethics:
Students explore key ethical theories including Natural Law, Divine Command Theory, Virtue Theory, Ethical Egoism, meta-ethical theories and Fletcher’s Situation Ethics. In addition to both deontological and teleological approaches to morality and assess how these apply to real-life issues. Students critically examine the relationship between free will, determinism, and moral responsibility.
Assessment
Assessment percentage:
100% Exam
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Assessment | Weight |
| 01 |
The study of Buddhism |
Written exam: 2 hours. Students answer two structured essay questions, each assessing knowledge (AO1) and critical evaluation (AO2). |
33.33% |
| 02 |
Philosophy of Religion |
Written exam: 2 hours. Students answer two structured essay questions, each assessing knowledge (AO1) and critical evaluation (AO2). |
33.33% |
| 03 |
Religion and Ethics |
Written exam: 2 hours. Students answer two structured essay questions, each assessing knowledge (AO1) and critical evaluation (AO2). |
33.33% |
Progression routes
The study of Philosophy and Ethics at A-Level opens a wide range of higher education opportunities, including degree courses in Law, Politics and International Relations, History, English, Education, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, and more.
In addition, the study of Philosophy and Ethics can offer a range of exciting career options including positions in Law, Education, Politics and Civil Service, Journalism and Media, Charity and Non-Profit Sector, Business and Management, Healthcare, Academia and Research.
Additional Information
Course specific equipment:
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Lever Arch Folders
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Lined Paper
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Dividers
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Plastic wallets
Essential Reading Material:
WJEC/Eduqas Religious Studied for A Level Year 1 & AS – Philosophy of Religion (Karl Lawson and Richard Gray) - ISBN: 9781908682994
WJEC/Eduqas Religious Studies for A Level Year 2 & A2 – Philosophy of Religion (Karl Lawson and Peter Cole) ISBN: 9781911208655
WJEC/Eduqas Religious Studies for A Level Year 1 & AS – Buddhism (Richard Grey) ISBN: 9781908682970
WJEC/Eduqas Religious Studies for A Level Year 2 & A2 – Buddhism (Nick Heap, Paula Webber and Richard Gray) ISBN: 9781911208495
Recommended resources:
Websites:
Eduqas A Level Religious Studies Resources
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Crash Course Philosophy - YouTube
Books and journals:
Novels: Sophie’s World, The Sage Train, Sophie’s Choice, A Man for all Seasons
Books: God Matters (Peter and Charlotte Vardy), Ethics Matters (Peter and Charlotte Vardy), Justice (Michael Sandel)
Philosophy Now (Magazine) – Accessible philosophy magazine for students and general readers.
Religious Studies Review – Journal covering topics in philosophy of religion and ethics.
Enrichment Opportunities:
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Trip to Buddhist
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Guest Speakers