Philosophy is about questioning basic assumptions. On a normal day, you might ask “What shall I have for dinner?” or “What time is it?” Philosophers are more likely to ask “Is it right to eat meat for dinner?” or “What is time?” Studying philosophy develops clarity of thought, written and verbal analysis, and an intellectual quick-wittedness. It will beguile anyone with an enquiring mind. People who enjoy tackling difficult questions and concepts will find it fascinating. It is also an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth and reflection. Philosophy combines the skills of Arts (reading, textual analysis and writing) and Sciences (logic, reasoning and problem-solving) so it supports most A-level combinations. Philosophy is also hard! Students should be prepared to grapple with abstract concepts and at times feel challenged. It is exciting but requires a strong work ethic. GCSE RP is not a prerequisite. Philosophy benefits University applications for Medicine, Law, Sciences and Literature. In terms of the business world, defending ideas and theories, and exposing weaknesses in one's opponents’ is a short step from marketing and defending a business model, product or strategy. It develops invaluable transferable skills. The A-level Philosophy Course Year 12: Epistemology Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge, asking what we know and how we know, but also, what is knowledge? What is the relationship between belief, truth and knowledge? Some argue that all knowledge is dependent on the senses (Empiricism), while others argue that we can work things out a priori - independently of experience (Rationalism). We encounter the world through our senses, but does what we sense to determine what we think? Isn’t it possible to conceive some things that I could never confront via sensation? How much does our mental framework contribute to the way the world appears to us in experience? Perhaps our mental framework is not derived from but is known independently of experience. If these principles are grasped a priori, then do they track the way the world is objectively, or just articulate the way the world appears subjectively? Moral Philosophy Are there moral truths and if so what is their nature? This question encourages students to consider a range of possibilities, from moral truth as based on transcendent Platonic forms to the denial of moral truth altogether. This unit is also concerned with moral decisions. We will consider whether moral decisions should be made in terms of consequences alone, or whether moral rights, duties and principles, which have intrinsic value independent of consequences, are paramount. We will discuss the above views in relation to at least one practical ethical problem, e.g. crime and punishment, the treatment of nonhuman animals, war etc. Year 13 (A-Level): Metaphysics of Mind What is the relationship between the mental and the physical? Dualists believe the two are separate, while the materialist argues that the mind is not ontologically distinct from the physical. We will investigate Descartes’ claim that it is logically possible for mental substances to exist without the material. A further vexing question addressed by the Philosophy of Mind is the nature of personal identity and whether it even exists. We will ask: what am I? And, what will happen to me when I die? But what do we mean by “me”? Metaphysics of God Students will be introduced to three related discussions about the idea of God. • The Concept of God God has been described as possessing omnipotence, omniscience and omnibenevolence. He is said to be transcendent and immanent, without beginning or end, being either eternal or everlasting. What are we to understand by these attributes and how do they apply? Are they even meaningful, and if not, what does this mean for Religion? • Arguments Relating to the Existence of God For some, the world as it is suffices to justify their belief in God. For others, the existence of God is incompatible with the world as they find it. Do facts about this world make God’s existence more or less plausible? What kinds of arguments support our conclusions and what are their limitations? Students will be introduced to four arguments. The ontological argument, design argument, cosmological augment and the problem of evil. We will evaluate the original debates, as well as theories from contemporary philosophy. • Religious Language Finally, we will question how we decide on the right way to describe the world and from what perspective to live. If the evidence cannot determine whether the existence of God is more or less likely, then should we see the disagreement as merely a reflection of different personal feelings, attitudes and commitments, rather than facts about the world? To allow all students to engage with a full philosophical text, Descartes’ Meditations is used as the key text in many elements of the A-level course.
Successful candidates will be invited to interview and offers made are conditional on achieving at least four Grade 7/A at GCSE. At this stage, we will also ask for a reference from the pupil’s current school.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Greenwich |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £15,330 - £20,460 |
| Address | Horn Park Lane, Lee, London, SE12 8AW |
Philosophy is about questioning basic assumptions. On a normal day, you might ask “What shall I have for dinner?” or “What time is it?” Philosophers are more likely to ask “Is it right to eat meat for dinner?” or “What is time?” Studying philosophy develops clarity of thought, written and verbal analysis, and an intellectual quick-wittedness. It will beguile anyone with an enquiring mind. People who enjoy tackling difficult questions and concepts will find it fascinating. It is also an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth and reflection. Philosophy combines the skills of Arts (reading, textual analysis and writing) and Sciences (logic, reasoning and problem-solving) so it supports most A-level combinations. Philosophy is also hard! Students should be prepared to grapple with abstract concepts and at times feel challenged. It is exciting but requires a strong work ethic. GCSE RP is not a prerequisite. Philosophy benefits University applications for Medicine, Law, Sciences and Literature. In terms of the business world, defending ideas and theories, and exposing weaknesses in one's opponents’ is a short step from marketing and defending a business model, product or strategy. It develops invaluable transferable skills. The A-level Philosophy Course Year 12: Epistemology Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge, asking what we know and how we know, but also, what is knowledge? What is the relationship between belief, truth and knowledge? Some argue that all knowledge is dependent on the senses (Empiricism), while others argue that we can work things out a priori - independently of experience (Rationalism). We encounter the world through our senses, but does what we sense to determine what we think? Isn’t it possible to conceive some things that I could never confront via sensation? How much does our mental framework contribute to the way the world appears to us in experience? Perhaps our mental framework is not derived from but is known independently of experience. If these principles are grasped a priori, then do they track the way the world is objectively, or just articulate the way the world appears subjectively? Moral Philosophy Are there moral truths and if so what is their nature? This question encourages students to consider a range of possibilities, from moral truth as based on transcendent Platonic forms to the denial of moral truth altogether. This unit is also concerned with moral decisions. We will consider whether moral decisions should be made in terms of consequences alone, or whether moral rights, duties and principles, which have intrinsic value independent of consequences, are paramount. We will discuss the above views in relation to at least one practical ethical problem, e.g. crime and punishment, the treatment of nonhuman animals, war etc. Year 13 (A-Level): Metaphysics of Mind What is the relationship between the mental and the physical? Dualists believe the two are separate, while the materialist argues that the mind is not ontologically distinct from the physical. We will investigate Descartes’ claim that it is logically possible for mental substances to exist without the material. A further vexing question addressed by the Philosophy of Mind is the nature of personal identity and whether it even exists. We will ask: what am I? And, what will happen to me when I die? But what do we mean by “me”? Metaphysics of God Students will be introduced to three related discussions about the idea of God. • The Concept of God God has been described as possessing omnipotence, omniscience and omnibenevolence. He is said to be transcendent and immanent, without beginning or end, being either eternal or everlasting. What are we to understand by these attributes and how do they apply? Are they even meaningful, and if not, what does this mean for Religion? • Arguments Relating to the Existence of God For some, the world as it is suffices to justify their belief in God. For others, the existence of God is incompatible with the world as they find it. Do facts about this world make God’s existence more or less plausible? What kinds of arguments support our conclusions and what are their limitations? Students will be introduced to four arguments. The ontological argument, design argument, cosmological augment and the problem of evil. We will evaluate the original debates, as well as theories from contemporary philosophy. • Religious Language Finally, we will question how we decide on the right way to describe the world and from what perspective to live. If the evidence cannot determine whether the existence of God is more or less likely, then should we see the disagreement as merely a reflection of different personal feelings, attitudes and commitments, rather than facts about the world? To allow all students to engage with a full philosophical text, Descartes’ Meditations is used as the key text in many elements of the A-level course.
Successful candidates will be invited to interview and offers made are conditional on achieving at least four Grade 7/A at GCSE. At this stage, we will also ask for a reference from the pupil’s current school.
