Follow us on Twitter Facebook
spirituality
Home > Academic > Philosophy of Religion and Ethics

Philosophy of Religion and Ethics

"In academic circles this subject is highly prized because of its particular demand to examine one's own beliefs, behaviour and assumptions."

It is common to go through life in the shadows of reality, convinced that pleasure is the only purpose of life and happiness the goal of existence.  Interestingly, there is no single religious leader in the world, past or present, who preaches 'happiness.'  Why is this?  It is because they claim that being fully human is far more than just about being happy.  Being a fulfilled and complete individual means taking time to consider the big questions about life, its meaning and its purpose.  You will certainly die, but how you spend your life and what you do with the time you have are matters of choice.  This course examines, in an open and academic environment, how such decisions are made, and what governs such life choices.

The course is designed to offer an academic approach to the study of religion and to be accessible to students of any religious persuasion or none.  There is no need for you to have passed GCSE Religious Studies to do this course, but it is essay based so you will need good English skills.

The AS course includes a module on ethics. This will include examination of different ethical theories and how these are applied to contemporary issues such as

  • Medical Ethics
  • Abortion
  • Euthanasia
  • Genetics, cloning and embryo research


The second module will be Philosophy of Religion.  This will introduce you to an academic and philosophical approach to the central questions of religion.

  • Why is there something rather than nothing?
  • Can anyone prove that God exists?
  • What about those who say they experience God? Can they prove it or is there always another explanation?
  • Reasons for atheism

 
The A2 course comprises two modules:  Philosophy of Religion and the Synoptic module.

  • If God is good why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?
  • Body soul and personal identity
  • The Ontological argument   

The synoptic module is an opportunity for in-depth study in Philosophy of Religion or Ethics.

Each module is accompanied by a handbook written by experienced A Level teachers.  Each part of the course is covered with preparatory reading material, which will support and supplement your class time and assignments.

The Advanced Extension (AE)

Religious Studies is one of the few subjects chosen by the government to offer an Advanced Extension Award.  This is a 'world class' examination paper only made available to students in rigorously academic subjects.  To pass at this level pupils sit an additional paper which will require greater depth of understanding than at A2.  Pupils do not have to take this option to achieve a full A Level.

Career Value

This is a very useful subject for those who intend to join a profession in which they will be required to make decisions and value judgements.  Those interested in careers in law, medicine or teaching might find it particularly valuable, but it is a popular course for any pupils who are interested in examining life's questions.