philospophy a level

[pipsqueak]

dd not sure what a levels to study and is thinking of philospohy but i wondered if it is one of the a levels a bit like general studies that is not well regarded by university admission bods - anyone know?tia

No certainly not regarded as easy.

thanks jem -good to know

My son does it and it is by far his favourite subject. It is quite highly regarded I think, and not seen as a soft subject at all - it takes a very enquiring mind and good essay writing/debating skills to do well in it. I've not known anyone take it and not love it. Many very good degrees include elements of philosophy, such as PPE, (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) Theology, etc, which are classic Oxbridge subjects.

It is definitely not considered an easy subject - quite the reverse. I presume you mean the Religous Studies Philosophy and Ethics course?
Psychology is the one which the top universities turn their noses up at.

meant 'Religious' of course. Had a glass of wine or three on a Friday night.

Philosophy is not soft.

Or is it?

Discuss.

Trinity College Cambridge has philosophy on its list of acceptable A Levels for Arts applicants, so you can reasonably presume that it is well regarded.

Absolutely not! The highest academic qualification you can get is a Doctor of Philosophy. It's serious stuff and will prepare them really really well for uni.

My DD has just done A level philosphy and found it very interesting and stimulating.

She went to a very highly rated state girls'grammar and they take A level subjects very seriously, and definately not renowned for offering soft options,as always after oxbridge places.

So I sort of assume it's currency is good.

helpful?

A Level Philosophy was fantastic, I loved it, it was easily the favourite three hours of my week :) (I did Psychology as well and preferred that as a subject, but Philosophy was just so much fun to study!)

"The highest academic qualification you can get is a Doctor of Philosophy. I"

It's only a name: a PhD in mechanical engineering doesn't contain many references tom existentialism.

Yes but it will contain a research philosophy. Most PhDs aren't in philosophy but they engage with philosophy through the process of doing research. They didn't pluck the name at will from a list of all subjects.

That wasn't the point I was making anyway, but that if philosophy wasn't held in high esteem within academia people wouldn't be doing PhDs.

philosophy is a good academic subject and well regarded.

it's a real subject; PPE from Oxbridge is the traditional route into national and international politics for example.

Philosophy a level is not that highly regarded among philosophers, unfortunately. That is not to say that your DD shouldn't take it, nor that it isn't accepted as a decent hard a level alongside others.

But from a philosopher's point of view, a level is boring and badly marked, so if your DD specifically is interested in a philosophy degree, she won't require it (and some admissions tutors would be happier that it didn't exist).