Philosophy for AS and A2
The Philosophy Department at Heythrop College in London has produced a textbook for use by 5th and 6th formers preparing for AS and A2 exams in Philosophy.
The book has the very plain and functional title: Philosophy for AS and A2. It is published by Routledge. There are six chapters, each one written by an expert in the relevant field.
The subjects for AS are: Theory of Knowledge (Janice Thomas), Moral Philosophy (Michael Lacewing), and Philosophy of Religion (Elizabeth Burns). The subjects for A2 are: Philosophy of Mind (Janice Thomas), Political Philosophy (Patrick Riordan), and Philosophy of Science (Nicholas Wilson). In addition there is an introductory chapter addressing the questions of why and how to study philosophy. And a final chapter offers help on essay writing and exam preparation.
The Jesuit among the authors is Patrick Riordan SJ, of the Irish Province, who teaches political philosophy at Heythrop. He is also an Associate Director of the Heythrop Institute for Religion, Ethics and Public Life. His article entitled 'Permission to Speak: Religious Arguments in Public Reason' appeared in the Spring issue of The Heythrop Journal.
Heythrop hopes that this book will raise the profile of the college among second level pupils and their teachers, and attract applicants for the BA in Philosophy and other degrees.
Further information on the book can be found on the Routledge website: www.routledge.com under textbooks/philosophy.
First posted LONDON - 20 September 2004 - 240 words