Philosophy

Ethical choices
Staff
Ermioni Konari

National 5

The National 5 Philosophy course has three areas of study. Each area offers opportunities for candidates to focus on particular skills.

  • Arguments in Action
    Students develop the ability to examine and assess the reliability of simple arguments.
  • Knowledge and Doubt
    Students examine theories regarding the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired. They are introduced to criticisms of these theories.
  • Moral Philosophy
    Students examine theories regarding moral decision-making and how these theories might be applied to specific situations. They are introduced to criticisms of these theories.
Assessment

Students are required to study the three mentioned units. They will sit a question paper  which includes all three units (80 marks)  and they also write an assignment (20 marks), that includes:

  • introducing the chosen philosophical question or claim and describing responses to it
  • using and analysing relevant information relating to the chosen philosophical question or claim
  • explaining criticisms of responses relating to the chosen philosophical question or claim
  • presenting ideas in a logical sequence throughout the assignment.
Home Study Expectations

Students are expected to devote several hours per week on home study. In addition to regularly going over notes at home tasks will include: answering questions from course notes to reinforce learning; essay/source questions; answering exam questions; background reading; revision for Unit assessments; the Prelim and the final exam; and research and planning for the added value assignment.

Possible next level of study

A National 5 pass at grades A-C would allow entry into Higher Philosophy.

Wider Achievement Opportunities

Students have many opportunities to explore and develop their skills in Philosophy through cooperative learning, class debate, independent research, self-assessment and being given opportunities to teach each other.

Possible career paths

Philosophy would be useful for many careers including: advice worker, aid worker/humanitarian worker, charities administrator, Civil Service administrator, consultant, health service manager, IT consultant, secondary school teacher, barrister etc.

Higher Philosophy

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide breadth and depth in the knowledge and understanding of philosophical concepts through study of chosen contexts.  It is also intended to develop skills of evaluating events and sources and of investigating issues.

The course has three areas of study:

  • Arguments in action develops candidates’ ability to analyse and evaluate arguments. Candidates develop knowledge and understanding of argument structure, philosophical techniques and errors in reasoning.
  • Knowledge and doubt unit develops candidates’ ability to explain, analyse and evaluate two theories of knowledge.
  • Moral philosophy develops candidates’ ability to explain, analyse and evaluate two moral theories.
Assessment

The course allows progression from National 5  and other Higher Social subjects with A or B and covers philosophical analysis, conceptual understanding, selecting and organising thought and drawing conclusions.   These skills will be assessed through two written parts of an exam. Question paper 1 has two sections that sample from the following two areas of study: knowledge and doubt; moral philosophy. The candidates are asked to write 2 essays one from each section (60 marks, 30 marks for each essay). Question paper 2 has three sections. Each section samples from one of the three areas of study.  Shorter answers are required in this question paper (50 marks)

Home Study Expectations

Students are expected to devote 2-3 hours per week on home study. In addition to regularly going over notes at home tasks will include: answering questions from course notes to reinforce learning; essay questions; answering past paper questions; background reading; revision for Unit assessments; the Prelim and the final exams.

Possible next level of study

A pass in Higher Philosophy at an A or B or C would allow entry into Advanced Higher and many University courses as part of a range of Highers.

Wider Achievement Opportunities

Students have many opportunities to explore and develop their skills in Philosophy through cooperative learning, class debate, independent research, self-assessment and being given opportunities to teach each other.

Possible career paths

Higher Philosophy would be beneficial to students who wish to go to university and study Philosophy, Law, Social Sciences, Journalism, Politics, and other arts-based degrees. Philosophy is the ultimate “transferable work skill.” With its emphasis on reason and argumentation, philosophy is an excellent preparation for a career in law, religion, business, international diplomacy, social work, medical and digital management or writing as well as post-graduate education.