At Malvern, studying Philosophy at A Level or IB level offers pupils an academically rich pathway, reflecting the strengths of an A Level Philosophy independent school and the depth associated with a philosophy private school education.
Standard/Higher Level
Aims
Philosophy is a systematic critical enquiry into profound, fascinating and challenging questions, such as the following:
- What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong?
These abstract questions arise out of everyday experiences; philosophical tools such as critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis and construction of arguments provide the means of addressing such questions. The course addresses fundamental questions about human experience, creating students who can think critically; it aims to enable students to do philosophy for themselves, both independently and in dialogue with others.
Course Content
Higher and Standard Level
Students can take the course at Higher Level or Standard Level. The courses run together and are of the same academic standard: they are assessed in the same way, with SL candidates taking fewer components. Discussion is an essential and enjoyable component of lessons in which students are invited to explore philosophical ideas and approaches, consider objections to those approaches and to develop possible responses to these.
Core (Higher and Standard Level): Being Human
This unit explores the fundamental question of what it is to be human, considering concepts such as identity, freedom, consciousness and human nature. Do humans differ significantly from other animals? Could machines ever be considered persons? Is there such a thing as the self? These and other key questions are explored, with dialogue a key component of lessons.
Ethics (Higher and Standard Level): This area of philosophy explores the possible grounds for making moral decisions, and examines concepts such as freedom, values, responsibility and virtue. Students consider moral systems, moral language and the application of theories to practical issues such as bioethics.
Internal Assessment (Higher and Standard Level): Students apply their philosophical skills and pursue a personal interest, writing a philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus (for example a poem, a work of art or an object).
Set Text (Higher and Standard Level), Martha Nussbaum’s Creating Capabilities; The Human Development Approach: The study of a contemporary text, written by a leading philosopher, enabling students to engage in greater depth with the ideas of one philosopher. Nussbaum’s work involves themes relevant to ethics, global politics and development; she challenges the traditional GDP and utilitarian measures of success, arguing instead that what matters is fostering central capabilities (what individuals are able to do and to be in the world).
Philosophy of Religion (Higher Level only): This area focuses on central concepts in religion, raising fundamental questions about our existence. Questions include the nature and existence of God/gods, the challenge to religion presented by the existence of evil/suffering and different aspects of religious experience and behaviour. It considers whether religion may be simply a social or psychological phenomenon.
‘Unseen’ Paper (Higher Level only): An opportunity to explore the relationship between philosophy and technology and philosophy and the environment, as well as the nature of philosophical activity itself.
Assessment Details
Paper 1 assesses the Core and optional themes (Ethics for Higher Level and Standard Level; Philosophy of Religion for Higher Level only). It is a written paper of 2 hours 30 minutes for Higher Level and 1 hour 45 minutes for SL students.
Paper 2 is a 2 hour paper for Higher Level and Standard Level students, in which students write a two-part essay on the text. It is an open book examination.
The Internal Assessment is an essay of 1600-2000 words on a topic of the candidate’s choosing (within the course content). Candidates produce a philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus source.
Paper 3 is an ‘Unseen’ paper for Higher Level candidates only, in which they respond to a short, ‘unseen’ text on either the nature of philosophical activity, the relationship between philosophy and technology or the relationship between philosophy and the environment.
Further Information
Why Philosophy?
- A stimulating, engaging course.
- It underpins and complements many other subjects and disciplines.
- It develops critical thinking skills that will be valuable for many higher education courses; it is highly regarded by universities and employers for providing relevant and transferable skills.
- Relevant to further studies in Philosophy, PPE, History, Physics, Mathematics, Theology, Psychology and many other subjects such as Medicine.
- A wide-ranging course that invites you to become a philosopher, not simply read about philosophy!
