Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics)
The Religious Studies department offers an Advanced Subsidiary
(AS) course in the LVI and an Advanced level (A2) course in the
UVI, which can be combined for a full A Level.
The course embraces a foundation unit which aims to introduce students
to the philosophical ideas that underpin contemporary religious
thought. At AS, two further units, one on the Philosophy of Religion
and one on Ethics are studied.
More advanced units on the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics are
studied at A2, and a Synoptic unit draws together themes from both
AS and A2 courses.
The following units comprise AS level
2760 Foundation for the Study of Religion involves study of Plato,
Aristotle, Old Testament Judaism and Ethical Theory. Assessed
by examination of one hour.
2761 Philosophy of Religion involves study of the traditional
philosophical arguments for the existence of God, and some of
the difficulties raised for religious belief by science, the existence
of evil, and sociology and psychology. Assessed by examination
of one hour.
2762 Religious Ethics. Ethical theories (Kantian ethics, Utilitarianism,
Virtue Ethics) are examined, together with a comparison between
such views and religious ethics, and their application to practical
moral issues such as abortion and euthanasia. Assessed by examination
of one hour.
The following units comprise A2 level
2772 Philosophy of Religion builds on the skills in AS, in examining
issues such as body/soul distinction, life after death, religious
experience and religious language.
2772 Religious Ethics builds on the skills in AS and studies
issues including free will and determinism, conscience, and the
application of ethical theory to practical moral issues.
One of these units may be assessed by an extended essay submitted
in January rather than the terminal examination.
2791 Connections in Religious Studies draws together themes from
over the two years and is assessed by examination.
Religious Studies is an excellent preparation for a wide range
of university courses in the arts, humanities and sciences. It develops
the skills to analyse and assess arguments, and to reflect on and
discuss fundamental issues. The application of philosophical ideas
to practical moral issues is especially relevant for those considering
careers in law, medicine, or the media.
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