EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR

Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics

Theology invites pupils to engage with key themes in Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Christian Thought from their origins in the Hebrew Scriptures through their encounter with Greek philosophy and development in Christianity. Pupils will apply these ideas to contemporary issues in society.

Pupils are required to develop analytic and evaluative skills in forming and supporting arguments, which are transferrable to a wide variety of other subjects and careers. Pupils contrast religious and secular approaches to practical issues such as the relationship between faith and politics. Pupils have the opportunity to encounter major themes in western thought and reflect upon the impact they have on the world today.

Pupils will have the opportunity to examine the work of ancient philosophers who have influenced Christian thought; such as Aristotle whose philosophy was used by St Thomas Aquinas to defend Christian ideas about God, man and the soul. They will also consider how approaches to ethics frame the questions that continue to cause controversy to this day such as how should people conduct themselves in business and the value of human life.

Pupils will:

• Study major themes in Christian thought.
• Produce reasoned written and verbal arguments.
• Develop the ability to analyse, understand and compare opposing viewpoints.
• Learn, through their reading and through class discussion, to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to philosophical and ethical questions.
• Through their study of ideas and philosophies, broaden their general cultural, intellectual and social awareness.