Philosophy AS/A2

This course will provide students with the opportunity to:

• Gain knowledge and understanding of Philosophy through consideration of some important philosophical issues and approaches to problems.
• Develop a rigorous approach, both critical and constructive, to the study of Philosophy and the nature of argument.
• Practice and enhance their abilities to construct, develop and maintain clear and coherent argument.

Course Outline
4 Units: 2 for AS Level and 2 for A2 Level – consisting of:
AS Level
Candidates will be introduced to a number of key philosophical themes which provide a broad introduction to the study of philosophy.

Introduction to Philosophy Unit 1:

• Why should I be governed – How do we as free individuals come to be obligated to obey the state and the laws it creates?
• Reason and experience – What is knowledge and how do we come to know things?

Introduction to Philosophy Unit 2:

• Tolerance – What is tolerance? Why should we aspire to be tolerant individuals? What are the strengths of a tolerant society?
• Knowledge of the external world: Do we perceive the external world accurately? Can we trust our senses? Can we know anything about the world with certainty?

A2 Level
At A2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their understanding of key philosophical concepts, themes, texts and technique with the study of the following:

• Political Philosophy.
• John Stuart Mill’s ‘On Liberty’.
• Philosophy of religion

Unit 1 AS is sat in January. Unit 2 and all A2 units are sat in June.