T H E O L O G Y, P H I L O S O P H Y AND RELIGION This course aims to develop an understanding of the shared heritage of Philosophy, Theology and Ethics. Scholars from all three disciplines have had an influence on the development of western civilisation, and have affected the way in which societies and individuals think and act. Engaging with these thinkers encourages critical examination and evaluation of evidence and arguments, and develops the ability to construct, develop and maintain a clear and coherent argument. In addition it encourages wide reading and introduces pupils to some of the key ideas and texts which have played a large role in shaping our intellectual heritage. Although the course is a natural progression from the IGCSE course, pupils do not need to have studied it in order to study the A level. Brendan Deane Head of Theology, Philosophy and Religion
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT Pupils take three papers, which are equally weighted. Topics include: • Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion Plato and Aristotle; The nature of the soul, mind and body; the existence or non-existence of God; the Problem of Evil; what is ‘God’. • Paper 2: Ethics Ethical theories (e.g. Utilitarianism, Kantianism); Philosophy of Language (the meaning of ‘Good’); Medical Ethics; Business Ethics; Sexual Ethics. • Paper 3: Developments in Theology Christian Moral Principles; The Person of Jesus Christ; Human Nature; Death and the Afterlife; Secularism; Karl Marx; Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Personal religious belief is neither an advantage nor disadvantage as pupils are examined on how they argue, rather than what they believe.
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