Philosophy A Level

IN THE FIRST YEAR STUDENTS STUDY:
Philosophy
Can we prove the existence of God? (design, cosmological and ontological arguments and criticisms)
Can religious experiences be trusted? (revelation, prayer, meditation, numinous, alternative explanations)
Does the existence of suffering demonstrate God does not exist? (Problem of evil and theodicies) 

Ethics
What should we care about? (environment, equality, animal welfare)
How can we work out what we should do? (Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics, NML)
How do philosophical theories answer ethical debates? (war and peace, sexual ethics)

New Testament Studies
What was the cultural and political context? (1st century Palestine, Roman occupation, Hellenistic culture)
Who authored the texts and what were their sources?  (synoptic problem, Gospel of John)
How does it relate to the Old Testament?  (contradictions, messianic prophesy, symbolism)

IN THE SECOND YEAR STUDENTS STUDY:
Philosophy
Life after death, philosophy of language, psychological and 
sociological critiques of religion (Freud and Marx), replica theory, religion and science debates

Ethics
Meta ethics, Kant, deontology, virtue ethics, medical ethics.

New Testament Studies
Interpretations of resurrection, scientific and historical challenges, interpretations of ethical principles

Skills developed on the course

• Use of high level thinking skills. 
• Clear and detailed essay/extended writing.  
• Analytical note taking from text books and articles.  
• In depth discussion and learning how to articulate an argument. 
• Logic and how to identify logical fallacies