A-Level Philosophy Revision Notes

Comprehensive revision for ethics and morality involves understanding key theories like Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and Virtue ethics. You could create comparison tables to highlight their differences and similarities or discuss ethical dilemmas and their application to real-life scenarios with friends. This will help you to develop your ability to critically evaluate arguments for and against these theories. Make sure you have a bank of examples to provide examples that support your analysis in the exam.

To excel in the philosophy of religion, prioritize the study of arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, and religious language. Familiarize yourself with the works of influential philosophers like Thomas Aquinas, Anselm, and Hume. Practice essay writing by dissecting and evaluating complex theological concepts, offering evidence and counterarguments to strengthen your essays.

Mastering formal logic is essential. Familiarize yourself with logical symbols, truth tables, and valid argument structures. Practice analyzing and constructing arguments, identifying fallacies, and evaluating premises and conclusions. Use online resources and textbooks specifically designed for logic in philosophy. When revising, focus on famous philosophical debates like the nature of existence (ontological arguments) or the problem of evil (theodicy), employing logical reasoning to dissect these complex issues.

Craft well-structured essays by outlining your arguments beforehand. Clearly define your thesis statement and follow the PEEC structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Critique) in each paragraph. Provide real-world examples or historical contexts to illustrate your points effectively. Revise by writing timed essays under exam conditions to enhance your time management skills.