PH HILOSOLPvHY P HILOSOe el Y P A

hy choose w

Questions for life

rself difficult Have you ever sat quietly and asked you we really questions? Like does God exist?, or are philosophical free? If you have, then you are l, even by nature. But what is philosophy? Wel says that The Oxford Companion to Philosophy of philosophy are most interesting definitions phy says controversial, whilst Mastering Philoso there is no straightforward definition. But what most people agree on is that philosophy is about using rational e argument and logical thinking to shin questions. In doing some light on lifes big of the so youll get a greater understanding Cool. world we live in, and of yourself.

life will be personally useful, but is also a very worthwhile skill in a number of career choices. But more on that after youve learned about the course content.

Your key learning topics

In the first year (AS) youll have an ts. introduction to philosophy in two par The idea of Part 1 includes subjects like t2 God, and Why should I be moral? Par e includes Realism and idealism and Fre first year gets you will and determinism. This where you can into the mindset of philosophy, from subjects. spread your wings and consider loftier themes in In year two, the first study topic is Key subjects philosophy. Here youll shine a light on g with stuff like moral and religious philosophy, alon y topic like political philosophy. The second stud ll get your is Philosophical problems, where you d by great head around some of the issues pondere philosophers over the years.

You think, therefore you are

You might be thinking to yourself, whats the point of taking philosophy? And one answer is that it will help you to become a great thinker. Considering abstract subjects and applying them to everyday

On your marks ...

In the first year youll sit two papers; one covering what you learned in Part 1, the other Part 2. Each 90 minute paper will account for 50% of your marks for the year. In the second year youll have two papers again, but this time the paper covering Key themes accounts for 60% of your marks for the year, whilst Philosophical problems accounts for 40%.

Where will success take me?

OK. For the vast majority of students - even those who go on to take the subject at university - philosopher is not the kind of job title you see down at the local job centre. But what philosophy does do is fine-tune your reasoning so that your enhanced intellect can be applied to other careers. Law, politics, the civil service, journalism, advertising, education ... these are some of the careers where your ability to turn abstract subjects into solid concepts will be highly regarded.

w skills: lop a number of ne helps students deve Philosophy norm lf and question the to think for yourse - How itical way information in a cr - How to examine uation based on clear eval to form judgements - How of information rly t of view across clea ow to put your poin - H . r your own learning ke responsibility fo - How to ta

What skills wil

l I learn?

Will it fit in my life?

Philosophy - or the sharp thinking that philosophy promotes - supports a wide variety of careers. From Law to Electronics and Art to Food Technology, theres a valid argument for making philosophy a foundation subject that will turn you from a smart person into a great thinker.

Cant wait to get started?

Your tutor and career adviser will be the best people to help you decide whether this course is the right choice for you. They will be as passionate as you to find the best subject to develop your talents!

/philosophy_ rg.uk/qual/gce a.o http://www.aq

For more info, visit:

new.php

Copyright 2007 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number 3644723) and a registered charity (registered charity number 1073334). Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. Dr Michael Cresswell, Director General.

MIG0169.07SG