GCE Philosophy

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Assessment Objectives

AO1 AO2 AO3

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

Interpret and analyse philosophical argument, applying relevant points and examples

Assess arguments and counter-arguments. Construct and evaluate arguments in order to form reasoned judgements

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 3: Key Themes in Philosophy

Written Paper, 2 hours

30% of total A Level marks

100 marks

The question paper consists of five sections: one on each theme. Each section contains two questions, each question is worth 50 marks

Candidates must answer two questions from two sections (ie on two themes)

Available June

Themes

• Philosophy of mind

• Political philosophy

• Epistemology and metaphysics

• Moral philosophy

• Philosophy of religion

Unit 4: Philosophical Problems

Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes

20% of total A Level marks

60 marks

The question paper consists of five sections: one on each text. Each section contains one compulsory question followed by two essay questions

Candidates must choose one section and answer the compulsory question and one essay question

The compulsory question is worth 15 marks and the essay questions are worth 45 marks

Available June

Texts• Hume: An Enquiry Concerning Human

Understanding

• Plato: The Republic

• Mill: On Liberty

• Descartes: Meditations

• Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil

Unit 1: An Introduction to Philosophy 1

Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes

50% of total AS marks, 25% of total A Level marks

90 marks

The question paper consists of five questions: one question on each theme. Each question consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. Candidates must answer the compulsory question on Reason and Experience and one other question

Available January and June

Themes• Reason and experience

• Why should I be governed?

• Why should I be moral?

• The idea of God

• Persons

Unit 2: An Introduction to Philosophy 2

Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes

50% of total AS marks, 25% of total A Level marks

90 marks

The question paper consists of five questions: one question on each theme. Each question consists of two parts worth 15 and 30 marks. Candidates must answer two questions

Available January and June

Themes

• Knowledge of the external world

• Tolerance

• The value of art

• God and the world

• Free will and determinism

M0021.07