COMPULSORY TASK:

This task is designed to prepare you and get you thinking! If you did GCSE RE it builds on that. If you didn’t, don’t worry – it starts getting you into the more philosophical mindset required for A-Level.

Consider the question: What is real? Write an essay considering this – you should:

1. Research Plato’s analogy of the cave, then explain it and explain what Plato suggests is real – and what he thinks is not to be relied on or trusted.
2. Research Aristotle’s four causes. Explain them and explain what Aristotle would say about reality.
3. Consider Ethics. What is ethics, and are there any ethical rules that can be considered totally ‘real’ – true for all times and all places? Or are all ethical rule systems totally relative?
4. Research the Tibetan Wheel of Life, and consider what Buddhists say about what is real. Explain what Buddhism has to say about the universe and reality.
5. In conclusion – what do you think about reality?

Each section needs about 200 words – some may need more.

Please submit the task, as well as a copy of the reading log, to your teacher on the first lesson in September.  Feel welcome to do multiple summer tasks if you are unsure on what subjects to study.

You can email a.dennis@springwoodhighschool.co.uk for any questions relating to the task or the A-level course.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSION:

You could add a paragraph considering Christian views / Muslim views / Hindu views / Sikh views / Humanist views – pick one, don’t try to do them all! Depth and quality is better than quantity.

 

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READING:

Resource - Plato PDF

Resource - Aristotle PDF 

There are two PDF documents listed above to help you with Plato and Aristotle; for Buddhism one of the best websites is www.Buddhanet.net – search for the Buddhist Wheel of Life.

If you struggle to understand all of this, don’t worry – we will cover topics more fully during Year 12, but we want everyone to have a go at explaining the issues. Come with your questions!

For Ethics keep up to date with current news stories, looking out for ethical issues and decisions being made.  Use the BBC website or similar reliable news source. Take notice of decisions made, and be aware of issues around the world, not just in the UK or Europe.

Watching the film ‘Schindler’s List’ would also be useful.

For Philosophy try ‘Sophie’s World’ but don’t worry if you can’t understand it all!

For Buddhism try the autobiography of the 14th Dalai Lama, or Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.

Other suggested background reading:

Understand the Philosophy of Religion – Teach Yourself – Mel Thompson

The Puzzle of Ethics – Peter Vardy

Articles on the www.Buddhanet.net website. 

Additional Reading & Preparation PDF