Philosophy of Religion & Ethics
OVERVIEW
Philosophical thinking, critical analysis and religious understanding underpin this broad and interesting course.
Pupils are challenged to think, and to consider alternative viewpoints, in order to develop their understanding of the diversity and intricacies of the world around them.
OUR SYLLABUS
Students examine Christian teachings alongside philosophical concepts such as the existence of God, conscience and free will, evil and suffering, and religious language. Ethical theories, including situation ethics and virtue ethics, are studied in depth, with students critically assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including: the problem of evil and suffering, and ethical frameworks such as situation ethics and utilitarianism. Pupils consider self, death and the afterlife, as well as religious language, religious experience and the philosophical arguments for the existence of God.
Examined through three extended papers, pupils studying PRE will quickly develop the ability to structure a coherent and detailed argument, drawing towards a reasoned, evidenced conclusion.
WHY STUDY PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION & ETHICS?
This course develops deep, analytical thinking, enabling students to engage critically with the world and its foundational ideas. Employers highly value individuals who can think independently and communicate ideas effectively. A strong grounding in philosophy enhances university studies and is beneficial for careers in law, medicine, business, and academia.
Students attend an annual philosophy conference where the chief examiner serves as the keynote speaker. Our Sixth Form philosophy pupils also take the lead in the inter-house and inter-school philosothons, where philosophical dialogue skills are tested. Now a globally renown phenomena, it is less well known that our own Head of PRE, Father Matk, initiated the first philosothon in the UK and, as such, as King’s is seen as the epicentre of the UK philosothon movement.
Introduced by Father Mark and the Headmaster in September 2023, the John Locke dinners for Year 12 students provides a forum for debating and challenging ideas in a supportive environment. These are open to all pupils, not just those studying PRE and encourage debate and discussion on a range of topics.
Key skills include dialogue, questioning assumptions, logical reasoning, evaluating arguments, and developing confidence in discussing ideas.
Graduates often pursue careers in academia, politics, philosophy, and theology.
Charlie Collins (OA) and Madeleine Parr (OA) both went on to Oxford to read Philosophy and Theology
