A level Philosophy

Summer (transition) philosophy

Here is the summer work for students about to embark on the A level Philosophy course in year 12.

1. Read at least two introductory philosophy books – then write a review of them

Sophie’s World is an engaging, narrative introduction to philosophy. I read it when I was sixteen and liked it then very much. It is still by far the best introduction for sixth-formers available.
The Philosophy Files by Stephen Law
The Philosophy Files and The Philosophy Gym books by Stephen Law are excellent: clear, engaging, and well-priced!

There are plenty of other engaging introductory books on philosophy.

Note that some so-called introductory texts (e.g. the excellent A Short Introduction to Philosophy by Simon Blackburn) are in truth quite advanced: so pick your books carefully!

Write a review of the books you read. Identify the key philosophical points. Include your own thoughts.

2. Watch at least two philosophical films – and then review them

There are lots of films with philosophy running through their veins. Why not watch some? The Matrix, for example, is a must!

Here is a website detailing the most philosophical movies of all time. My personal favourite is Groundhog Day (1993).

Watch The Matrix and at least one other philosophical film. Then write a review of the films. Try to tease out the philosophical themes. Include your own thoughts.

3. Logic

Gemma says to you that she believes these three things (or propositions):

  • All pirates love treasure.
  • Captain Hook is a pirate.
  • Captain Hook hates treasure.

Write one paragraph to Gemma to explain why she might have gone wrong (if indeed she has).

4. Epistemology

Watch this clip, making notes.

Then, based on these notes, write one paragraph to explain what epistemology (or the theory of knowledge) is.

5. Ethics

Applied ethics concerns particular moral issues.

Pick one of these applied ethics questions:

  • Is animal testing morally justifiable?
  • Is autonomous weapon systems ethical?
  • Should humans be genetically engineered?
  • Is universal basic income ethical?
  • Is organ trafficking ever permissible?

Then spend some time researching your topic.

Then write a considered answer to the question in about 300 (and no more than 400) words.

6. Metaphysics of God

Watch the clip below. Make notes on what God is like, from a philosophical perspective. Then write a summary of these notes.

What Is God like? Crash Course Philosophy

7. Metaphysics of Mind

a. Take this fiendishly tricky—but fun—mind-body TED Ed quiz.

b. Our Year 13 students (2020) loved the prisoner-hat riddle. Check it out!

Write one paragraph for each of these activities to sum up your reflections on the topics.

8. History of philosophy

Pick one famous philosopher, past or present.

This page lists twenty famous philosophers. But there are plenty of others!

Write a brief summary of their life.

Then write a bulleted list of their key philosophical contributions. Keep the list as simple as possible – avoid any jargon.

Print your work and bring it to your very first philosophy lesson in September

Page last updated: 16.08.2024