RS: Philosophy and Ethics

Exam Board: OCR Syllabus: A-level: H573 Consult: Mrs Ross

WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? All of us have to make moral decisions in life from the smallest to the much larger issues that sometimes dominate the headlines; Philosophy and Ethics allows you to consider different approaches to making these decisions and introduces you to well-known scholars from the 20th Century. You will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief. These include everything from the debate surrounding the existence of God to the problem of evil and suffering. You will also explore the nature and attributes of God as well philosophical language and thought through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers, illustrated through modern issues and debates on everything from ‘Is Cadburys an ethical business’ to ‘should Christians use contraception’.

Not a day goes by when religion isn’t in the headlines. An understanding of religious beliefs and practices gives us an understanding of the world. Studying ‘Developments in religious thought’ will give you an opportunity for an in-depth exploration of Christianity.

You will debate whether Bonhoeffer was a fundamentalist or a religious freedom fighter and consider whether religion is still relevant in 21st century society. If you are an argumentative critical thinker, Philosophy and Ethics will give you the chance to further develop your opinions around religion and the opportunity to ask big questions of yourself and the world.

CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN Year 12 Content: • Philosophy of Religion – arguments for and against the existence of God, religious experience, problem of evil and the nature of the soul, mind and body • Religion and Ethics – normative ethical theories and ethical language and thought • Developments in Christian Thought – religious belief, values and teachings, sources of wisdom and authority and traditional practices that express religious identity Year 13 Content: • The nature and attributes of God and

Religious Language • Meta-Ethics, Sexual Ethics and the conscience • Secularism and Liberation Theology

ASSESSMENT At A-level, there are three exams in Philosophy, Ethics and DCT, all worth 33.3%.

AFTER ASHCOMBE Students who study Philosophy and Ethics at A-level often continue to study Theology or Philosophy, Classics, English, History, Politics and various other subjects at university. This can lead to a variety of careers which include teaching, the charity sector, civil service, social work and health care.