Religious Studies

Course summary

The course begins with a basic introduction to the thought of Plato and Aristotle and then moves into the field of Ethics. It includes a study of various ethical theories such as Situation Ethics and Natural Law which will lead into a study of Kant, utilitarianism and moral relativism. Is it fair to say, for example, that some things are always wrong? We then examine moral problems in business and sexual ethics. Students will examine the philosophical basis for religious belief including the nature of religious language, religious experience and various arguments for the existence of God and challenges to them. The final paper examines the relationship between religion and society with a critical examination of religious beliefs and practice from Marxist, feminist and sociological perspectives. The course is interesting and intellectually stimulating. Students are asked to consider questions that they may never have considered before and put together a focused and cogent response to a particular problem. It trains pupils to construct arguments of quality based on evidence and thought and does much to stimulate debate.