Year 12

Philosophy, Ethics and the Foundations of Theology

In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in the three key strands of the subject. In Philosophy of Religion, you will tackle questions such as “What is real?”, “Where does the world come from?” and “Why does God allow suffering?”. You will evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God, explore the nature of religious experience, and consider whether concepts such as the soul or the afterlife are coherent.

Ethics will introduce you to major normative theories, including Situation Ethics and Kantian Ethics, and you will apply these to complex moral issues such as euthanasia, sexual ethics, and business practices. You will also explore the use of ethical language and developments in moral philosophy, including meta-ethics and the role of conscience.

This year also introduces you to theology by examining how beliefs, values and teachings shape religious identity, and how historical events influence modern faith communities. Through class discussions, debates and independent research, you will develop the analytical and evaluative skills needed to examine religious, philosophical and ethical claims with precision.