What is Religious Studies all about?

If you choose Religious Studies at AS or A Level you will be studying two subjects:  Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. 

Philosophy is all about thinking, and of course how we think influences how we live.  Whilst studying philosophy of religion you will contemplate some of the toughest issues in life:  Is there a God?  What is God?  What are the arguments for God's existence?  What are the arguments for God's non-existence?  Can miracles really happen?  What is reality?  What, if anything, happens when a person dies?

Ethics is a branch of philosophy which is concerned with how actions are classified as right or wrong.  The vast majority of people think that murder is wrong.  Some people think that sex before marriage is wrong.  The vast majority of people think that being honest is right.  Some people think that genetic engineering is right.  We all have standards, but ethics tries to give a reason for these standards.  In studying ethics you will discover how religious and non-religious people make moral decisions.

Why should I study the philosophy of religion and ethics?

We suggest that there are three reasons for studying the philosophy of religion and ethics:

1.  It will enable you to think about whether your own views on religion and morality- whatever they are - are reasonable.

2.  It will help you to understand why some people believe things which at first sight might seem rather irrational.

3.  It teaches you reasoning skills - which are useful in other subjects, as well as in life in general.  Philosophy teaches you to analyse other peoples' arguments, and to present your own ideas in a logical way.

How will I be taught?
Apart from the usual ways of learning, the nature of the course means that there is an emphasis on discussion and debate.  During the cut and thrust of philosophical arguing, you will develop the ability to communicate and express your ideas.  You will also have numerous opportunities to attend seminars which are taken by leading academics.

Where can RS lead?
An AS or A level in RS can be extremely valuable.  An understanding of ethical issues is required in many professions (such as the Law, Chartered Accountancy, Banking, Medicine and the Armed Forces) and studying RS will give you an excellent grounding.  Philosophy teaches you to think logically and analytically, which is a vital skill for all career options.

If you are intending to go to university, be assured that RS is a fully fledged A level (philosophy is arguably the original academic subject!).

Combinations?
The diverse nature of the course (as well as studying philosophy and ethics, you will gain an appreciation of current medicine, science, psychology, history and literature) means that RS will fit with any subject combinations.

The unexamined life is not worth living
(Socrates 399 BC)

"This is your last chance, after this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill, the story ends you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.  Remember all I'm offering is the truth, nothing more." (Morpheus - The Matrix) Unfortunately, unlike Morpheus, we cannot offer you the truth.  However, philosophy will help you on your search. Some comments from current students: "The study of philosophy is of great importance to your own life, without it you cannot provide yourself with an adequate explanation for your views…"  (Ian Koslicki) "Do philosophy because its great!"  (Vicki Anderson) "To philosophise is to live."  (Francis Churchill) "Philosophy = Truth, Truth = Power, Power = Money"  (Alex Waring) "...study philosophy of religion to examine the questions that are on most peoples' minds."  (Lara Vasey) "Philosophy provokes us to find a reasonable argument for our own beliefs."  (David Meakin)    Interested? If you are interested in taking RS as an AS or A level, please do the following: Speak to your RE teacher Speak to your parents Speak to 6th formers currently doing RS A-level.