Religious Studies (Christianity, Philosophy & Ethics)
This course presents students with an opportunity to grapple with some of the most profound questions that have puzzled philosophers since the time of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
Does God exist? Why is there a universe, rather than nothing? Is there any point to pain and suffering? And how sure can we be when we try to answer these questions.
How to decide what is right and what is wrong – and how to tell the difference – is something that we ask ourselves every day. Students will consider answers to these questions by studying ethical theories such as utilitarianism, natural law and situation ethics and apply them to real-life situations. Students can test their instincts by debating about which is more important: happiness, loyalty or love? They will also consider whether the choices we make are really our own, or whether free will is just an illusion.
Students will also take an in-depth look at the world’s largest religious tradition – Christianity – to learn its most important beliefs and its impact on the lives of believers. They will consider how relevant religion is in modern society and debate whether it should be.