Religious, Moral and Philisophical Studies

Course Overview

Higher RMPS aims for candidate to develop their own ideas and viewpoints and teaches them to analyse and evaluate the philosophical position of others. The course builds upon pre-exiting knowledge and curiosity about RMPS, whilst exploring questions related to knowledge and morality and to allow candidates to become more aware of the complexity of everyday religion, morality and philosophical arguments. Candidates study central principles, concepts, texts and key figures. 

• WORLD RELIGION: Buddhism

Who was the Buddha?

How do beliefs about the Buddha affect the way Buddhists worship and live in the 21st century?

Why do we suffer?

How can we end suffering?

Is achieving Nibanna possible in this lifetime? 

• MORALITY: Morality, medicine and the human body 

Ethics of embryo use in reproductive, therapeutic and research practices.

Informed and presumed consent in organ donation.

What are living donors?

Moral dilemmas with assisted dying.

End of life care or euthanasia?

• RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTION: Does God exist? 

What evidence do the cosmological and Teleological arguments use to support the existence of God?

Does evidence of the Big Bang Theory and Evolution challenge or support the existence of God?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of these religious and non-religious theories?

Can either religious or non-religious theories provide conclusive proof about the existence of God?

Learning and Teaching Approaches

Homework

Homework will be set on a weekly basis. This may be exam style questions to consolidate learning, or preparation for end of topic assessments. 

Assessment Approaches

Course assessment at Higher:

• Assignment – 30 marks (27%) 

• Question Paper 1: 60 Marks (55%) 

• Question Paper 2: 20 marks (18%)