Philosophers use logic and reason to analyse how we make sense of the world and try to resolve the most enduring puzzles of human existence. Do our senses accurately describe reality? What can I know for sure? How do I know other people are having thoughts? What makes me me? These are philosophical questions, and our pupils will explore the classic responses by the great philosophers in search of the most convincing answers. Philosophy offers an exhilarating academic experience: it teaches critical thinking, close reading, clear writing, and logical analysis; it uses these to understand the language we use to describe the world, and our place within it. Although philosophical questions may seem abstract at first, pupils soon learn that philosophy helps to make society more rational, and is the intellectual foundation for progress in science, law, politics and economics. In Philosophy your teachers will never tell you the answers! Very often, there is no clear right and wrong. Rather, philosophy pupils are free to think for themselves and to work imaginatively and collaboratively to solve problems. In class, we will give you opportunities to share your ideas, argue robustly, and debate others’ views. We will train you to challenge assumptions, identify faulty logic, and above all justify your views. We will also help you to write convincing arguments which explain the nature of a philosophical problem, analyse philosophers’ responses to these, and reach a logical conclusion. Studying the history of ideas requires hard work but we believe engaging with the classic problems of philosophy is stimulating and enriching. No specific knowledge is required but it is a reading and writing-based subject, so extensive and independent research comes as standard.
While no previous philosophical knowledge or training is mandatory, you will need a grade 8 in a GCSE essay subject and GCSE Theology and Philosophy is a major advantage. Philosophy combines well with most other subjects and our Sixth Formers often find Mathematics and Physics helpful when it comes to the logical analysis of an argument, or that humanities disciplines (like English and History) are complementary when it comes to essay writing.
• Epistemology: What is knowledge? Can I know anything for sure? What is the nature of reality? Do my senses accurately describe reality? How do I form ideas? Are humans rational? Classic philosophers: Plato, Descartes, Leibniz, Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Russell and Gettier. • Moral Philosophy: What are morals? How do we use the language of ‘right and wrong’? Should I do whatever maximises pleasure (utilitarianism)? Is it my duty to obey moral absolutes (Kantian deontology)? How can human beings flourish (Virtue theory)? Is it justifiable to steal, lie, eat meat, and simulate killing (in games and films etc.)? Classic philosophers: Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Bentham, Mill, Moore, Ayer, Hare and Mackie. • Metaphysics of God: What is God’s nature? What is the relationship between eternity and time? Is the idea of God incoherent? Is it rational to believe in God? Classic philosophers: Plato, Anselm, Aquinas, Descartes, Leibniz, Hume, Paley, Ayer, Hick, Swinburne and Plantinga. • Metaphysics of Mind: What do we mean by ‘mind’? What is the relation between the mind and the body? Is reality only physical, or must we posit an immaterial mind to offer a full explanation of it? Classic philosophers: Descartes, Ryle, Jackson, Chalmers, Putnam, Churchland. You are examined by two written papers that include a variety of short-format and essay questions.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Haringey |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,515 |
| Address | North Road, Highgate, N6 4AY |
Philosophers use logic and reason to analyse how we make sense of the world and try to resolve the most enduring puzzles of human existence. Do our senses accurately describe reality? What can I know for sure? How do I know other people are having thoughts? What makes me me? These are philosophical questions, and our pupils will explore the classic responses by the great philosophers in search of the most convincing answers. Philosophy offers an exhilarating academic experience: it teaches critical thinking, close reading, clear writing, and logical analysis; it uses these to understand the language we use to describe the world, and our place within it. Although philosophical questions may seem abstract at first, pupils soon learn that philosophy helps to make society more rational, and is the intellectual foundation for progress in science, law, politics and economics. In Philosophy your teachers will never tell you the answers! Very often, there is no clear right and wrong. Rather, philosophy pupils are free to think for themselves and to work imaginatively and collaboratively to solve problems. In class, we will give you opportunities to share your ideas, argue robustly, and debate others’ views. We will train you to challenge assumptions, identify faulty logic, and above all justify your views. We will also help you to write convincing arguments which explain the nature of a philosophical problem, analyse philosophers’ responses to these, and reach a logical conclusion. Studying the history of ideas requires hard work but we believe engaging with the classic problems of philosophy is stimulating and enriching. No specific knowledge is required but it is a reading and writing-based subject, so extensive and independent research comes as standard.
While no previous philosophical knowledge or training is mandatory, you will need a grade 8 in a GCSE essay subject and GCSE Theology and Philosophy is a major advantage. Philosophy combines well with most other subjects and our Sixth Formers often find Mathematics and Physics helpful when it comes to the logical analysis of an argument, or that humanities disciplines (like English and History) are complementary when it comes to essay writing.
• Epistemology: What is knowledge? Can I know anything for sure? What is the nature of reality? Do my senses accurately describe reality? How do I form ideas? Are humans rational? Classic philosophers: Plato, Descartes, Leibniz, Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Russell and Gettier. • Moral Philosophy: What are morals? How do we use the language of ‘right and wrong’? Should I do whatever maximises pleasure (utilitarianism)? Is it my duty to obey moral absolutes (Kantian deontology)? How can human beings flourish (Virtue theory)? Is it justifiable to steal, lie, eat meat, and simulate killing (in games and films etc.)? Classic philosophers: Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Bentham, Mill, Moore, Ayer, Hare and Mackie. • Metaphysics of God: What is God’s nature? What is the relationship between eternity and time? Is the idea of God incoherent? Is it rational to believe in God? Classic philosophers: Plato, Anselm, Aquinas, Descartes, Leibniz, Hume, Paley, Ayer, Hick, Swinburne and Plantinga. • Metaphysics of Mind: What do we mean by ‘mind’? What is the relation between the mind and the body? Is reality only physical, or must we posit an immaterial mind to offer a full explanation of it? Classic philosophers: Descartes, Ryle, Jackson, Chalmers, Putnam, Churchland. You are examined by two written papers that include a variety of short-format and essay questions.
