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 Board) AS Specification |
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Unit One
90 minutes
90 marks
50% of AS Exam
|
An Introduction to Philosophy 1
This exam deals with:
- Reason and Experience;
- Why should I be governed;
- Why should I be moral;
- The idea of God;
- What is a person.
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.
|
|
Unit Two
90 minutes
90 marks
50% of AS Exam
|
An Introduction to Philosophy 2
This exam deals with:
- Knowledge of the external world;
- Tolerance;
- The value of art;
- God and the world;
- The debate over free will and determinism.
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
