Head Of Department: Mrs J Turner-Jones
Contact Details: jctj@felsted.org
IB - Philosophy
Why study Philosophy?
Philosophy helps you formulate arguments in a sound and purposeful way. It also develops an independent and creative way of thinking, and encourages you to examine your own experience and ideological perspectives, while learning to appreciate the impact of cultural diversity on philosophical thinking.
It is great for developing skills of critical analysis, reasoned argument and evaluation, skills which are valuable in many careers, such as law, journalism, advertising, teaching, the media, civil service, counselling and marketing.
Course structure
The course is structured around a number of themes.
At Standard Level, the core theme is:
What is a human being?
Mind and Body
The Human Condition
Optional theme:
Theories and Problems of Ethics
Principles for Moral Action (Normative Ethics)
The Nature of Moral Judgements (Meta-Ethics)
Applied Ethics
Pupils also study Descartes ‘Mediations’ as a set text, and complete an internal assessment. This consists of writing a philosophical essay on the analysis of some non-philosophical material.
At Higher Level, pupils study all of the above, plus a further optional theme: Philosophy of Religion
They also have to develop the ability to respond to an unseen philosophical text in a way that demonstrates what doing philosophy means, and shows a holistic appreciation of the skills, material and ideas developed throughout the course.
Assessment:
All pupils sit two terminal examinations. Assessment 1
Two essays in response to questions on the core and optional themes.
Essay 1 (Core and Optional theme):
40% at SL, 40% at HL
Essay 2 (Set text):
30% at SL, 20% at HL
HL pupils sit a further examination in response to an unseen text
Internal Assessment
30% at SL, 20% at HL
Pupils complete a philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
Why study TEP?
The A Level syllabus is challenging and thought provoking. It inspires creative, independent thinking on issues which are relevant and meaningful to today’s society. Questions such as “Should actions be considered moral based on their consequences or motives?” and “Are we really free?” are researched and debated in a dynamic and interactive way.
Key transferable skills are learnt and refined throughout the course, such as, critical and evaluative skills, meaning that TEP A Level is a highly regarded subject by the top Universities and paves the way to a diverse number of careers paths such as Law, Politics, Medicine and Journalism.
This course teaches the skills of investigation, reflection, analysis, interpretation, debate, evaluation and communication
It is looked on favourably for a career in medicine or law by universities
This A Level also works well with Biology, English, History, Psychology, Government and Politics and Classical Civilisation
Component 1: A study of Christianity
Topics include:
Religious beliefs, values and teachings
Religious identity
The nature of God, for example, is God male or can God suffer?
Religion, equality and discrimination
Component 2: Philosophy of Religion
Topics include:
Religious experience
The problem of evil and suffering
Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
The challenges to religious language over time
Component 3: Religion and Ethics
Topics include:
Meta-ethics – what do we mean by good and bad?
Normative ethics, including Utilitarianism, Natural Moral Law and Virtue Ethics
Application of the theories to ethical issues, such as homosexuality, animal experimentation and the use of nuclear weapons
Determinism and Free Will – whether humans are free or determined by factors such as religion or biology
Expectations of independent study
Pupils need to read the additional material that will be given throughout the course and regularly read newspapers. They are expected to make full use of the department and the school library. It is suggested that prior to starting the course, pupils read Michael Reeves ‘The Good God’.
Requirements
A 6 at GCSE Level is recommended.
What do the pupils say?
“It helps your understanding of current affairs and gives you the opportunity to express your own opinion.”
What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
Employers look for the following skills which are taught: logic, literacy, critical evaluation, problem solving, negotiation and thinking skills. These skills will be useful in a number of careers, such as: Journalism, Law, Travel, Advertising, Teaching, Media, Civil Service and Counselling.
Assessment:
Component 1 33.3%
A study of Christianity
One 2 hour exam
Component 2 33.3%
Philosophy of Religion
One 2 hour exam
Component 3 33.3%
Religion and Ethics
One 2 hour exam
This course changes your perception of the world and opens your eyes to different cultures and ideas.
Anneka, U6 pupil