The old course description, as in a previous Studies Handbook, is available HERE. The new course description will be posted shortly.

If you have questions about the course which are not answered in the FAQs below, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail and we will answer as quickly as possible. Click HERE or e-mail to philosophy@guypadfield.com.

FAQs

What is philosophy ?
Is philosophy all opinions, or are there hard facts ?
Why should I study philosophy ?
Is this a one year AS or a two year AS ?
I will be in the upper 6th in September 2000 - can I take the course ?
Who has taken this course in the past ?
Is it an easy option ?
I am a scientist - is philosophy for me ?
I am a linguist - is philosophy for me ?
I major in humanities - is philosophy for me ?
Will universities take seriously a qualification in philosophy ?

What is philosophy ?
The word 'philosophy' means simply 'love of wisdom' and in times past all thinkers could call themselves philosophers. Nowadays, the subject has separated itself off from the particular areas of thought and lies 'behind' them ; it is concerned with their assumptions, their modes of argument, their grounds and validity, their domains of relevance &c. Some branches of philosophy - for example metaphysics (the study of the ultimate nature of reality) and epistemology (the study of knowledge and its acquisition) - lie behind all areas of thought, whether we acknowledge it or not. Others - for example, the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of religion - have more particular sciences and areas of study associated with them.

The study of philosophy must include a historical dimension, examining what theories have, in fact been propounded and what effect they have had on the history of thought ; our course will also present questions in a live context, encouraging new reflections and ideas.

Is philosophy all opinions, or are there hard facts ?
It is commonly assumed that philosophy is all about opinion, and certainly there are far more live, serious philosophical answers to the same questions than there are on scientific matters. However, there are well-formed, well argued opinions and there are ill-formed, badly argued opinions. Part of our course will enable you to distinguish between the two and thus be able to be taken seriously in debate. In addition, the history of philosophy is factual, whether or not the questions it tackles are always so - the course will enable you to be well informed as to what previous thinkers have said on the various topics we cover. However, as there are few 'right answers' to philosophical questions, you will be free to present any opinion that you are able to back up with convincing argument and you will be encouraged to question everything !

Why should I study philosophy ?
First and foremost, because it is interesting. Philosophy opens your mind and enables you to question intelligently and to form new, well grounded opinions. It encourages you to re-examine what you believe, with the result that you emerge more confident and more open-minded. Secondly, from a practical point of view, the study of philosophy will help you with all your other subjects and indeed with your university applications ! It will help improve your skills in logic, articulacy, essay writing and imaginative thinking. It should also help you to put the particular things you learn in other subjects into a more universal context.

Is this a one year AS or a two year AS ?
This is a two year AS. It is designed to begin in the lower 6th and to be finished in the upper 6th. At present, it is envisaged that two modules will be taken in the lower 6th and the third in the upper 6th (with the option to retake one of the first two).

I will be in the upper 6th in September 2000 - can I take the course ?
We have no objection to upper sixth formers joining the course, though it cannot be guaranteed that your timetable will fit with the scheduled lessons. When the timetables are published, we will consider your position and advise you on an individual basis. Those with few A levels may be able to attend most of our lessons and make good the rest with private study. Those with more A levels may find it difficult to fit it all in. If you are in the upper sixth, can fit in the study and wish to take two modules you will find this a useful addition to your curriculum. If you wish to try to take all three modules in one year you may find it harder - again, this should be discussed with us on an individual basis so that we can advise you properly.

Who has taken this course in the past ?
Nobody. This is the first year this course has been offered, not only at Aiglon but at all !

Is it an easy option ?
No. This is a rigorous subject and will demand application. However, as it will be a new subject for almost everyone on the course, it will start from the beginning and no one will be handicapped by previous years of school ! If you have an enquiring mind and you are prepared to work, you should be able to make a success of philosophy.

I am a scientist - is philosophy for me ?
Yes. There have been great philosophers in all scientific fields. In particular, many leading physicists from this century have been fine philosophers - Erwin Schrödinger, of the famous wave equation, for example ! Einstein's theory of relativity has profound philosophical implications ; and long before him, Darwin confronted philosophical orthodoxy when he put forward his theories of evolution. In today's world of increasing specialisation it is particularly important for scientists to have an appreciation of philosophy, as it is for philosophers to understand science. In addition, there is a growing awareness that the cutting edge of science involves many ethical questions and the study of philosophy will help you to tackle those questions.

I am a linguist - is philosophy for me ?
Yes. This century has seen a great flowering of philosophy of language and it is sometimes said that this is all modern philosophy concerns itself with ! If you are interested in language itself - with how it is used, how words relate to their meanings - then philosophy is essential to you. Furthermore, if your interest is in literature, you will need an understanding of the history of philosophy to appreciate much literature (Voltaire's 'Candide' is widely studied in French classes and is a case in point). If you are primarily interested in the practical use of language then this subject is a little more peripheral, though you will almost certainly find it interesting and enjoyable.

I major in humanities - is philosophy for me ?
Yes. History and literature are inseparable from the history of human thought. To understand other people, geographically or historically, it is necessary to be able to free yourself from your own view of the world and appreciate other ways of thinking. Philosophy will add another dimension to your study of the humanities or social sciences.

Will universities take seriously a qualification in philosophy ?
Yes. All universities have philosophy departments and regard the subject as being very important. Most offer philosophy in parallel with other subjects because of the way it enhances them. Many national and international high school systems require a course in philosophy (the French and International Baccalaureates for example) and so studying it can only improve your competetiveness with respect to students from these systems.