Philosophy: Higher 

Entry Requirements: 

  • Any National 5 or Higher Social Subject and/or N5 or Higher English. 

 

Course Content: 

Pupils study 3 units: 

  • Arguments in Action: Pupils will develop criticial thinking skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate arguments.  Pupils will study argument structure, philosophical techniques and common errors in reasoning.  
  • Knowledge and Doubt: Pupils will study two Philosophers who have different theories on how we come to have knowledge.   
  • Descartes – Descartes believed we are all born with some knowledge that we uncover throughout our lives using our reason and logic. 
  • Hume – Hume believed we are born knowing nothing, and can only know things through our experiences and the senses. 
  • Moral Philosophy: Pupils will study two moral theories and evaluate their effectiveness in helping us to decide between right and wrong.  Pupils will also apply moral theories to real life and hypothetical scenarios. 
  • Utilitarianism – Utilitarians believe in the greatest happiness for the greatest number – so long as the consequences bring about lots of happiness then it is the morally correct thing to do. 
  • Kantianism – Kant believed consequences are not important.  It is your motive that determines right and wrong and we should always carry out our duty, even if it causes bad things to happen. 

 

Assessment: 

Internal:  

  • End of unit assessments based on the exam questions (results will generate a working grade for tracking purposes) 

External: 

  • SQA Examination: 110 marks over 2 Papers 
  • Paper 1: This paper has 2 essay questions to answer.  The first essay will be on either Descartes or Hume – philosophers studied as part of unit 2. The second essay will be on either Utilitarianism or Kantianism – the moral theories studied in unit 3.  Both essays are worth 30 marks. 
  • Paper 2: This is made of short answer questions from each section of the course.  30 marks are for unit 1 (Arguments in Action), and 10 marks each for Knowledge & Doubt and Moral Philosophy. 
  • There is no coursework or assignment for Higher Philosophy. 

 

Progression Pathway: 

  • Philosophy has transferable skills to the other Social Subjects such as Modern Studies, History and RMPS.  
  • The literacy and critical thinking skills developed in the study of Philosophy give a strong foundation for further academic study in almost every Higher Education course. 
  • Philosophy is an excellent foundation for professions such as Law, Politics, Teaching and Psychology. 
  • For more information about a wide range of higher education and career options, see Ms Day or Mrs Kirk.