Philosophy

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM WEALD OF KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Students can join Weald of Kent Grammar School at our Tonbridge Campus.

Applications Open: - 15 November 2023

Applications Close: - 15 January 2024

Entry Requirements: - If you wish to join the Weald of Kent Sixth Form you must have a minimum of a Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature and a Grade 5 in Mathematics. In addition, students also need to achieve an Average Point Score (APS) of 5.5 to be comprised of their best 8 GCSE results.

How to Apply: - Applications are made through Applicaa. Please see the school website for more information: https://www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk/sixth-form/application

Open Event: - Our Sixth Form Open Evening is 14 November 2023.

This course addresses four areas of study in philosophy, asking some of the most important questions faced by humans (What can we know? What is our true nature? Does God exist? How should I live my life?) and investigating in-depth the answers that have been put forward by philosophers over the years. This course helps to give context to the history of ideas that has led to the modern world we face today. You will develop skills of critical analysis, research, persuasive argument, logic and literary interpretation.

The course is divided into three main topics:

Ethics: Moral philosophy is often referred to as ethics. It’s about right and wrong, good and bad. This module covers ethical theories, applications of these theories, and the meaning of moral language. Key question: How should I live my life?

Knowledge: Epistemology means theory of knowledge. The epistemology module covers what the definition of knowledge is, as well as how much knowledge comes from perception and how much from reason. It also covers the idea of scepticism – how certain we can be of our knowledge. Key question: How do I know what I know?

God: This module covers the concept of God as typically conceived by the three main monotheistic religions. It covers whether such a concept is possible as well as arguments for and against the existence of God. Key question: Can God’s existence ever be proved?

Mind: Philosophy of mind looks at what minds and mental states actually are. This module covers various theories which say the mind is a physical thing and others which argue it is non-physical. Key question: Can human experience be explained entirely by physical processes?

Assessment comprises two three-hour examinations at the end of year 13.

The examinations will include four question types, covering definition, explanation and evaluation. (3, 5, 12 and 25 marks)

Each examination contributes 50% to the overall grade.

For success in this subject you should have achieved a Grade 6 in Religious Studies or Grade 6 GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature (if GCSE Religious Studies not taken).

Skills are transferable to other areas of study such as English, History, Law, Maths, Politics, Psychology and Sociology. The insight into a range of ideas and the skills learned make Philosophy a good qualification for careers in Law, Medicine, Teaching, Business, Care, Journalism and anything else that involves working with people, problem-solving or written communications.