1. GCE Philosophy
AS At AS, this specification will introduce candidates to a number of key philosophical
themes, which provide a broad introduction to the study of philosophy. A2 At A2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their understanding of
key philosophical concepts, themes, texts and techniques. Candidates will be given
the opportunity to specialise further, selecting two themes to study in depth and
focusing on philosophical problems through the study of a key text. Problem areas
relate directly to other areas of the specification and candidates will be able to draw
on, develop and apply material from both the AS and A2 modules.
Unit 1: An Introduction to Philosophy 1 Unit 2: An Introduction to Philosophy 2 Unit 3: Key Themes in Philosophy Unit 4: Philosophical Problems
Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes Written Paper, 2 hours Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes
50% of total AS marks, 25% of total A Level marks 50% of total AS marks, 25% of total A Level marks 30% of total A Level marks 20% of total A Level marks
90 marks 90 marks 100 marks 60 marks
The question paper consists of five questions: The question paper consists of five questions: The question paper consists of five sections: The question paper consists of five sections:
one question on each theme. Each question one question on each theme. Each question one on each theme. Each section contains two one on each text. Each section contains one
consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. questions, each question is worth 50 marks compulsory question followed by two essay
Candidates must answer the compulsory Candidates must answer two questions Candidates must answer two questions from questions
question on Reason and Experience and one two sections (ie on two themes) Candidates must choose one section and
other question answer the compulsory question and one essay
question
Available January and June Available January and June
The compulsory question is worth 15 marks and
Themes Themes the essay questions are worth 45 marks
• Reason and experience • Knowledge of the external world
Available June Available June
• Why should I be governed? • Tolerance
• Why should I be moral? • The value of art Themes Texts
• The idea of God • Philosophy of mind • Hume: An Enquiry Concerning Human
• God and the world Understanding
• Persons • Free will and determinism • Political philosophy
• Plato: The Republic
• Epistemology and metaphysics
• Mill: On Liberty
• Moral philosophy
• Descartes: Meditations
• Philosophy of religion
• Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil
Assessment Objectives
AO1 AO2 AO3
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant issues arising Interpret and analyse philosophical argument, applying relevant points Assess arguments and counter-arguments. Construct and evaluate
in the themes or texts selected for study. Show an awareness of the and examples arguments in order to form reasoned judgements
central debates and relevant philosophical positions and of the nature of
arguments employed
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