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Philosophy Revision Guides
A-Level Revision Aid: This resource is designed to support your revision and may contain errors. If you find a discrepancy with your class teaching, your teacher is correct — please let us know at alevelrevise@scott.scottrix.co.uk.

PH1: Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind

Year 1 / ASYear 2 / A-Level All Boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, CCEA) AQA

Tripartite definition of knowledge (JTB), Gettier problems, Utilitarianism, Kantian deontology, Substance dualism vs Physicalism.

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📋 Key Definitions and Core Concepts

Justified True Belief (JTB): The classical tripartite definition of propositional knowledge: S knows that p iff p is true, S believes that p, and S is justified in believing p.
Substance Dualism: Descartes' metaphysical thesis that mind and body are two distinct fundamental substances: thinking non-extended res cogitans and extended physical res extensa.

🔍 Key Principles & Specification Requirements

  • Gettier counter-examples: show justified true beliefs can arise by epistemic luck (e.g. Smith and Jones coins in pocket), proving JTB is insufficient.
  • Moral theories: Bentham Act Utilitarianism (hedonic calculus), Mill Rule Utilitarianism (higher/lower pleasures), Kant's categorical imperative, Aristotle's virtue ethics.
  • Philosophy of Mind: Dualism (interaction problem), Behaviourism, Mind-Brain Identity Theory, Functionalism.

💡 Worked Example Question

Exam-Style Question

Question:

Explain how Edmund Gettier's counter-examples challenge the Tripartite Definition of Knowledge (JTB).

Model Solution & Mark Scheme:

Gettier constructed scenarios where an agent holds a belief that is both true and justified, yet the truth of the belief is connected to justification only by sheer coincidence/luck (e.g., Smith believes 'The man who will get the job has 10 coins in his pocket', justified regarding Jones, but Smith unexpectedly gets the job and coincidentally also has 10 coins). Because knowledge excludes epistemic luck, JTB is insufficient.

❓ Practice Questions & Mark Schemes

Q1: Explain the significance of Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind in A-Level examination contexts.

Show Model Answer

Answer: Demonstrate clear conceptual understanding of Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind, defining core terminology and citing relevant principles or case examples.

Q2: Evaluate key arguments or methodologies concerning Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind.

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Answer: Contrast competing perspectives, discuss empirical evidence or theoretical limitations, and synthesize a balanced, well-reasoned conclusion.

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