Philosophy and Ethics (Including RS) - AS & A Level

OCR

Description of the Specification

What is love? Is it ever right to kill? Is there a God? Is all war wrong? The first year of Philosophy and Ethics investigates these questions and many like them using some of the most important philosophical and theological theories of the last two and a half thousand years, from Plato to Dawkins.

The second year of the course examines whether we are free, the rights and wrongs of our approach to the environment and sexual relationships, as well as considering what we should think about religious experiences and whether it makes sense to discuss God.

As a whole the Philosophy and Ethics course is designed to make candidates think about life’s most important questions while providing a rigorous, academic knowledge and understanding of philosophy and ethics, using an enquiring and empathetic approach.

Type and Nature of Work Involved

• Investigation of the philosophical/ethical theories and issues raised through discussion work, group work and independent study

• Note taking and essay writing

• Making presentations and debating

Method of Assessment

AS       

Unit 1 - Belief and challenges to belief
1½ hour examination - 25% of total A level mark

Unit 2 - Ethical theory and practical ethics
1½ hour examination - 25% of total A level mark

A2

Unit 4 - Philosophy of Religion II
1½ hour examination - 25% of total A level mark

Unit 5 - Religious Ethics II
1½ hour examination - 25% of total A level mark

Specific Entry Requirement: If Religious Studies (RS) was studied for GCSE (short of full course), a minimum of a grade B is required.

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