Philosophy Advanced

Entry Requirements

School leaving standard of education is recommended. For online lessons, learners need to have an understanding on how to use a computer.

Duration

30-week course with 3 contact hours per week.

Learning Outcomes

Expected learning outcomes for this course include:

Knowledge
• Describe the nature and scope of philosophical questions and explain how they differ from scientific or empirical inquiries.
• Identify major philosophical traditions and schools of thought (e.g. rationalism, empiricism, existentialism), and outline their historical development.
• Define fundamental philosophical concepts including:
o Truth
o Morality and justice
o Personal identity
o Freedom and responsibility
o The nature of knowledge (epistemology) and reality (metaphysics)
• Explain contemporary ethical issues such as digital ethics, life and death dilemmas, and the nature of freedom.

Skills
• Analyse and contrast philosophical questions with scientific/empirical ones.
• Interpret and critique philosophical texts and ideas within their historical and cultural context.
• Use logical reasoning and argumentation to construct and evaluate philosophical arguments.
• Develop coherent, critical, and well-supported philosophical positions.
• Apply philosophical frameworks to engage with ethical dilemmas.
• Reflect thoughtfully and analytically on abstract concepts and real-world issues.

Competences
• Demonstrate intellectual openness and a willingness to critically examine one’s own beliefs and values.
• Apply philosophical reasoning to analyse personal, societal, and global issues.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly, respectfully, and constructively, even when expressing disagreement.
• Foster personal growth through reflective thinking and engagement with diverse perspectives.
• Contribute meaningfully to ethical and philosophical discussions across varied contexts.

Delivery Method

Online lessons.

Certification/Award

MATSEC certification upon sitting for and passing the exam.

Progression to Further Education

After successfully completing this course, learners may pursue further study in related fields for entry into tertiary education.

Additional Note

This is a revision course for learners sitting for the MATSEC Advanced level examination. The educator is therefore not required to deliver the entire syllabus issued by MATSEC. https://www.um.edu.mt/matsec/syllabi

Exam

Language of Instruction

Bilingual