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This is an academic subject well-received by universities because it teaches critical thinking, the ability to construct and analyse arguments, to reflect on morality and view issues with an open mind.
It also gives you a rounded and mature outlook on important life topics. As well as this, you will study the beliefs and practices found within the Buddhist faith. Its a good addition to any A Level programme and can lead to a wide range of degree courses.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and Mathematics.
The course is divided into three units with three exams at the end of the two years.
In Philosophy you will begin by exploring the nature of reality through the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle. You will also study the metaphysics of the mind – what is the mind where is it? You will also engage with arguments for the existence of God, the existence of evil and philosophical puzzles. In Ethics you will learn about four district ethical theories – utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, situation ethics and natural law. You will then be asked to think about these theories in relation to dilemmas in euthanasia and corporate responsibility. Finally, you will analyse different aspects of the practicalities and philosophy of Buddhism. You will look at the wheel of samsara, the role of women in Buddhism and whether a Buddhist can accept war. You will also learn about the philosophical aspect of Buddhism including theories by the Buddha, Nagarjuna and various other philosophers.
You will be taught through a hybrid, lecture, discussion and Socratic method of teaching. You will have a workbook for each unit. You will have gust speakers from university where you will be taught about – philosophy and the law, the problem of evil and Buddhist meditation. You have the option to attend trips with many visits on offer. Our first trip is to a conference at a university where you will get to see what it is like to be university student. We also attend smaller conferences – recently we went to a conference on intelligent design. Our second trip is a four or five day residential to either Rome or Athens. We alternate each year to a different a city. We also visit a Buddhist monastery to see what the life of a monk involves.
There is no coursework. All examinations will be at the end of the second year.
You’ll be able to progress onto a number of different Higher Education degrees after this course. You may choose joint or single subject degrees including Religious Studies, Philosophy, English Literature, Cultural Studies, Law or Politics.
