Philosophy and Ethics is a subject that by its nature requires students to consider individual, moral, ethical, social, cultural and contemporary issues. The subject is suitable for anyone who enjoys thinking critically, playing with abstract concepts and challenging received wisdom. Philosophers ask fundamental questions about our own nature, and of the world we live in. It is a challenging and exciting process, helping students to grow and develop intellectually while developing valuable and transferable skills in analysis, imagination, problem solving and communication. Highly regarded by universities, the subject involves a study of philosophical, theological and ethical theories which underpin and structure our world today. Component 1: A Study of Religion The study in component 1 prepares students so that they can apply philosophical and ethical themes to a world faith. There will be four themes: • Religious figures and sacred texts • Religious concepts and religious life • Significant social and historical developments in religious thought • Religious practices and religious identity Component 2: Philosophy of Religion There will be four themes within this component: • Arguments for the existence of God • Challenges to religious belief • Religious experience • Religious language Component 3: Ethics There will be four themes within this component: • ethical thought • deontological ethics • teleological ethics • determinism and free will