AS / A2 Religious Studies: Philosophy o& Ethics (level 3)

This course is designed to enable you to:

· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex philosophical and ethical arguments

Develop a range of transferable skills including the evaluation of philosophical texts and their relevance in the twenty first CenturyAnalyse moral dilemmas and suggest solutions by applying ethical theories

Is it for me?

The course suits those who enjoy debating and discussing issues and who want to explore beliefs and contemporary issues. You should be willing to stretch your mind and enjoy reading and analysing texts.

All units are assessed by essay and written examinations.

What’s involved?

Philosophy

This unit introduces major influences on the philosophy of religion. You will look at the ancient Greek philosophers; Socrates, Plato and Aristotle and consider the influence they have had on the Judaeo-Christian concept of God. You will examine the different arguments for the existence of God and challenges to them.

You will also consider the Problem of Evil and consider why an all-loving and all-powerful God would allow evil things to happen to good and innocent people. We will also look at the relationship between Science and Religion.

Religious Ethics

Here you will develop your understanding of the relationship between different ethical systems and religious methods of ethical decision-making. Apply the theories of Natural Law, Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics and Kantian Ethics to current moral debates such as: abortion, euthanasia, embryo research, genetic engineering, IVF, human rights and war and peace.

Philosophy of Religion

This A2 level unit explores three main topics; Distinctions between body and soul (different views on life after death and the concept of heaven and hell), Religious Experience (different forms of religious experience such as: miracles and Near Death experiences and the attributes of God). You will carefully consider these arguments from the viewpoints of Boethius, Dawkins, Hume, James, Russell and Wiles.

Religious Language looks at the ways in which we use language, analogy, symbol and myth when we talk about God, and how useful these methods are for us to come to a greater understanding of God.

Religious Ethics

In A2 level Religious Ethics you will study the concepts of Freewill and moral responsibility, the nature and role of the conscience, Meta-ethics (the use of ethical language) and the principles of Virtue ethics. You will be able to apply the ethical theories covered at AS to Business and Environmental ethics and sexual ethics.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C with at least one of these in English Language. It is not necessary to have GCSE Religious Studies, but if taken we would expect you to have a grade C or above.

Which courses go well with this?

A broadening subject that combines well with a range of subjects e.g. Humanities, Social Sciences and Science subjects.

Progression:

Students who have studied Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics have gone on to a wide range of Higher Education courses and careers, for example, Teaching, Law, Nursing, Human Resources, Marketing, Journalism and of course, Philosophy.