PHILOSOPHY (AQA)
AS Course Outline
What Is Philosophy?
Philosophy at AS does not require previous GCSE experience of the subject. If you have ever wondered where it all started or what life is all about or whether we are all free, then you have already been doing philosophy. Indeed philosophy is the activity of using rational argument and logical thinking to shine some light on life's big questions.
Students who study philosophy will gain a greater understanding of the world we live in and their own selves. They will also form a greater appreciation of any of the other subjects they will be studying, be they science subjects such as Physics or Biology or arts subjects such as English or History.
At AS, students will look at topics like the idea of God and morality. They will also consider free will and determinism along with the nature of reality. This first year will provide an introduction to philosophy and will enable students to begin the challenging task of considering such lofty subjects in a provocative and enlightening way.
Philosophy is a popular choice for those who wish to impress when it comes to university applications. It also enables students to fine tune their reasoning so that their enhanced intellect can be applied to other careers. Law, politics, the civil service, journalism, advertising, education, medicine are some of the professions where your ability to turn abstract subjects into solid concepts will be highly regarded.
What Skills Will Students Develop When Studying Philosophy?
- Philosophy will provide students with the necessary skills to produce original thought and to question received opinion.
- Students will also learn how to examine information in a critical way as well as form judgements based on clear evaluation.
- In addition, as an essay-based subject, there will be plenty of opportunity for students to develop an ability to provide clear expositions of difficult ideas as well as rigorous and sustained commentary.
| PHILOSOPHY (AQA) AS Specification | |
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Unit One |
An Introduction to Philosophy 1
The question paper consists of five questions: one question on each theme. Each question consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. Candidates must answer two questions, the compulsory question on Reason and Experience and one other question. |
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Unit Two |
An Introduction to Philosophy 2
The question paper consists of five questions: one question on each theme. Each question consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. Candidates must answer two questions. Each question will be worth 20 marks. |
Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 6 lessons per week. Homework will be set on a regular basis.
Students will receive both class and revision notes but the reading of textbooks along with
classic philosophical texts as an accompaniment is highly recommended.
Recommended Reading
AQA an Introduction to Philosophy for AS Level (2008) Hayward, Cardinal, Jones
