Philosophy

Course Full Title: A Level Philosophy

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 7172


Why study Philosophy?


“Many people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so.” – Bertrand Russell

Philosophy is generally the study of whether we can trust our reality or not. It’s from the Ancient Greek ‘Philosophia’, meaning ‘love of wisdom’.

Philosophy is extremely popular subject at most universities. It compliments many other subjects and contains within it many transferable skills. In the course we examine the very nature of knowledge and how we can know something to be “true” and develop your ability to think critically and successfully argue a case. It involved asking questions such as: ‘Why is there anything at all?’, as well as Ethical Questions such as ‘can we really say anything is good?’ and ‘Is moral judgement just a matter of opinion?

Many people, particularly those interested in going into politics, opt to take philosophy at university in conjunction with politics and economics and it is considered a challenging and prestigious course.


What will I study over the two years?

Philosophy will be taught over a two-year period leading to two final exams,

each three hours in length:

  • Paper one: 50% 3hr exam
  • Paper two: 50% 3hr exam
What makes a good Philosophy student?


A good Philosophy student needs to be open minded and good at critical thinking. You will need to be able to listen to other’s ideas and form your own opinions that you are able to support. You will need to be able to debate ethical, philosophical and theological issues like whether or not abortion can be justified and whether or not God can be good if the world contains evil and suffering. You will also have some awareness of the issues going on in the world that are affected by religion so keeping up with current events is also important.


Where could Philosophy take me?


The skills learnt on the course include critical thinking as well as developing literacy skills important in many different fields. Many skills learnt in Philosophy are applicable to career in law, journalism, foreign relations, teaching, politics and medicine. Others have gone on to university to study politics, philosophy, psychology and sociology all of which are well complimented by their knowledge of Philosophy. It is considered very good preparation for university and is a highly regarded course at many universities.


What are the entrance requirements?


  • Grade 5 or above in English Language
  • 5 or more grades 5-9; including equivalents across at least 5 subjects
  • Maths Grade 4 or above
  • Average GCSE GRADE of at least (average of ALL GCSE full courses taken)


If you have any questions about our Philosophy A Level please chat with your RE teacher or email Miss Philip sphilip@oriel.w-sussex.sch.uk We would be very happy to answer any questions