| Why study Philosophy?
Philosophy trains students to ask questions about the things other people do not ask questions about. It also trains students to analyse and argue and by this means come up with some answers to the big questions. Philosophy combines well with almost all A Level subjects. As it improves logical, precise thinking it is a great help to those studying, not only essay subjects but also Maths and Sciences.
Which syllabus do we follow?
We follow the AQA specification for Philosophy.
How many units are there?
There are four units in total: two at AS and two at A2.
What is each unit about?
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘An Introduction to Philosophy ’ and deals with some fundamental philosophical issues. Are all ideas derived from sensory experience or does the mind contain innate knowledge concerning the nature of the world? Why should individuals submit to morality and the constraints of government? What is the nature of God and what are the arguments for and against God’s existence? Finally, what are the characteristics of a person? To what extent can non-humans such as machines and animals possess the qualities of a person?
Unit 2
AS unit 2 is called ‘An Introduction to Philosophy ’ and develops some of the issues covered in Unit 1, including our knowledge of the external world and arguments concerning the existence of God, in particular ‘the argument from design’ and ‘the problem of evil’. It also covers the nature of tolerance in society and the individual; free will and determinism; and the value of art.
Unit 3
A2 unit 3 is called ‘Key Themes in Philosophy’. It is a complex, challenging part of the course, which introduces the main branches of philosophy: philosophy of the mind, epistemology and metaphysics (the study of knowledge and reality), political and moral philosophy, and philosophy of religion. It allows students to build on the understanding that they developed in the first two units, giving them a broader and deeper understanding of the subject.
Unit 4
A2 unit 4 is called ‘Philosophical Problems’. This unit enables the students to get to grips with a classic philosophical text by Hume, Plato, Descartes, Mill or Nietzsche. This is a particularly stimulating unit for committed students, especially those who might wish to pursue the subject at university.
How is each unit examined?
Unit 1
Students sit a paper that last 1 hour 30 minutes. They must answer two questions, one of which is a compulsory question on reason and experience. This examination accounts for 25% of the A level.
Unit 2
Students sit a paper that last 1 hour 30 minutes and answer two questions. This examination accounts for 25% of the A level.
Unit 3
Students sit a two-hour examination, answering two questions from two different sections of the paper (i.e. on two themes). This examination accounts for 30% of the A level.
Unit 4
This Unit is examined by a paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, in which candidates choose one section, answering a compulsory question and one essay. It accounts for 20% of the A level.
How is the course structured?
The first two units form the AS syllabus in the first year, followed by units 3 and 4 in the A2 syllabus, studied in the second year. In each year the units are covered in the first two terms, up to the Easter break, when we embark on an intensive programme of revision and examination practice.
When do I sit my exams?
AS students sit their examinations in June. There will be opportunities to resit AS units in January of the A2 year. The A2 units can only be taken in June.
Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?
Michael Peat
BD Hons, DipTheol (London) BSc Hons (Birmingham) Religious Studies, Mathematics and Philosophy
Michael Peat has a very broad academic background as his first degree was in Physics. Doctoral studies in Theology took him to Philadelphia where he lived for many years and he now teaches Philosophy and Theology at Ashbourne. Philosophy, though challenging, is a particularly popular subject. Michael is a keen chess player and along with Chris Todd runs the chess club.
Beyond A Level for Philosophy Students
This A level is very good preparation for Philosophy or Law, which several of our students have gone on to study. However, Philosophy is a very well respected A Level which combines well with Arts and Humanities subjects and will benefit students aiming for courses and careers in almost every area.
Textbooks
AS
Title – AQA Philosophy AS: Student’s Book Author – Oliver McAdoo and Julian Sidoli Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/AQA-Philosophy-AS-Students-Level/dp/0748798587/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277136368&sr=8-1
A2
Title – AQA Philosophy A2: Student’s Book
Author - Chris Cluett, David Rawlinson, Mike Atherton, and John Appleby
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/AQA-Philosophy-A2-Students-Book/dp/0748799044/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277136368&sr=8-3 |
