Religious and Moral Education Department :
S5-S6 Philosophy
Higher and Intermediate 2
Entry Level
Credit at Standard grade or a pass at Higher in English and/or a Social
Studies Subject
Intermediate 2 - General grade 3 in English and/or a Social Studies Subject
Course Description
The Philosophy course gives an opportunity to explore some of the
classic philosophical problems which have exercised men’s (and women’s)
minds over the centuries. Can we be certain of anything? Can we prove God?
Is killing ever right? Philosophy demands the
willingness to think clearly and hard, and offers plenty of opportunity for
discussion.
It will develop the ability to understand difficult ideas and to analyse and
evaluate arguments in a logical way. Both the Higher and the Intermediate 2
course consist of the same three units, but at Intermediate 2 level the
content is somewhat less and the assessments are less demanding.
- 1 Critical thinking in Philosophy
- understanding the nature of arguments reliable and unreliable arguments
- 2 Metaphysics. A choice from the following
- Debate 1: Is there a rational basis for belief in God?
- Debate 2: Do we have free will?
- 3 Epistemology. The nature of knowledge
- Why are knowledge claims a problem?
- What is knowledge?
- Can knowledge claims be justified?
- 4 Moral Philosophy
- Consequentialism theory. Utilitarianism – Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
- Deontological theory. Immanuel Kant.
Assessment
At both levels, the internal assessment consists of 2 essays for each
unit. The external assessment consists of a 1 hour examination with one
question to be answered from each unit.
Progression
This course provides excellent mental preparation for any University
course, as well as for any areas of employment which require clear and
logical thinking.
Find out more about our courses :
S1 / S2 Religious and Moral Education
S3 / S4 Religious and Moral Education
Religious, Moral And Philosophical Studies
Philosophy