What is our Departmental Intent?:
At A Level, Philosophy provides students with the opportunity to engage with some of the most profound and challenging questions concerning knowledge, reality, existence, morality and the nature of the mind. Through the study of AQA A Level Philosophy, students develop the intellectual confidence to question assumptions, analyse complex arguments and evaluate competing viewpoints with precision and rigour.
The course encourages students to think critically about the foundations of human knowledge in Epistemology, explore the nature of ethical decision-making in Moral Philosophy, examine arguments for and against the existence of God in Metaphysics of God, and investigate the relationship between the mind, body and consciousness in Metaphysics of Mind. Students engage directly with the ideas of influential philosophers, developing an understanding of how philosophical debate has shaped our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Throughout the course, students are challenged to construct reasoned arguments, identify strengths and weaknesses in philosophical positions, and communicate complex ideas with clarity and accuracy. The study of Philosophy develops highly transferable skills in critical thinking, logical reasoning, analysis and evaluation, preparing students for success in higher education and a wide range of careers.
Our intent is that students leave A Level Philosophy as independent thinkers who are able to engage thoughtfully with complex issues, evaluate arguments from multiple perspectives and apply philosophical reasoning to contemporary questions and challenges.
