Philosophy

In 2009 the wide range of subjects available to the Sixth Form increased further with the addition of the AQA Philosophy Course. Philosophy seeks to ask fundamental questions about life, the universe, and everything; to study the ways that great thinkers have tried to answer these questions; and to learn methods through which we might answer them for ourselves.

The AS course provides a holistic introduction to the subject and teaches the skills required to continue studying at a higher level. The teaching is split between Mr Watkins and Mr Forster.

Mr Watkins teaches the Theory of Knowledge and philosophical study techniques. You will look at how we gain an understanding of the world around us, questioning the seemingly unquestionable. We enquire as to whether our knowledge of the world is entirely determined through our own sense experiences, evaluating the two viewpoints of rationalism and empiricism. In the second term empiricism is explored further, asking what is the nature and extent of human understanding. The Theory of Knowledge (or Epistemology) is at the heart of philosophical enquiry and understanding.

Mr Forster evaluates the philosophical difficulties raised by both religion and politics. The Philosophy of Religion tackles questions such as what is the idea of God, what arguments are there for and against His existence, and is religious language meaningful? Political Philosophy addresses how an individual or collection of individuals, originally free, come to be obligated or bound to obey the laws and commands of the state. Extracts will be considered from the writings of great philosophers, for example Plato, Locke, Hume, Descartes and St Thomas Aquinas.

Students sit two papers assessing their ability to demonstrate the following skills:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant issues arising in the themes or texts selected for study. Show an awareness of the central debates and relevant philosophical positions and of the nature of arguments employed.
  2. Interpret and analyse philosophical argument, applying relevant points and examples.
  3. Assess arguments and counter-arguments. Construct and evaluate arguments in order to form reasoned judgements.

Philosophy is emphatically not an easy option. It requires willingness to do individual study, to think deeply, and to strive to express your thoughts cogently in speech and on paper. It requires the willingness to learn to write good academic essays, to consider arguments in depth, and to argue your own case with evidence. It is highly recommended for pupils who are intending to excel academically, and wish to apply for highly selective university courses.

The first Philosophy cohorts have already attended a Philosophy conference in London and are expecting a visit from Michael Lacewing, author of their textbook and a Senior Lecturer in philosophy and Director of Research at Heythrop College, University of London.

Mr D. Watkins BSc MSc
Mr D. Forster MA MSc