The A-level Philosophy and Ethics (Religious Studies) course ensures that you can: Study the philosophy and ethics of religion Critique and evaluate the philosophies and ethics of others and reach a personal conclusion No prior knowledge of the subject matter is required. Learners take components from three areas to be awarded the OCR A Level in Religious Studies. Philosophy of religion ancient philosophical influences arguments about the existence or non-existence of God the nature and impact of religious experience the challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil the nature of the soul, mind, and body the possibility of life after death ideas about the nature of God issues in religious language. Religion and Ethics Ethical theories – what is right and wrong the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance ethical language and thought: debates surrounding the significant ideas of conscience and free will the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs and the philosophy of religion. Developments in religious thought (Christianity) religious beliefs, values, and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world sources of religious wisdom and authority practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.