Question 1

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy?

Accepted Answer

In the exam, when presented with a passage, first identify the conclusion by asking 'What is the main point the author wants me to accept?' Then look for reasons that directly support it.

Question 2

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy? (2)

Accepted Answer

Use indicator words as clues but be cautious: not all 'since' or 'therefore' sentences are part of the argument structure.

Question 3

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy? (3)

Accepted Answer

Practice reconstructing arguments in standard form (premises first, then conclusion) to clarify the logical flow.

Question 4

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy? (4)

Accepted Answer

When analyzing a passage, actively look for gaps between the premises and conclusion; these gaps often reveal implicit assumptions. Use phrases like 'It is assumed that...' to make them explicit.

Question 5

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy? (5)

Accepted Answer

For evaluation, structure your response: identify the assumption, explain its role, assess its acceptability (e.g., is it controversial? does it rely on false premises?), and then conclude how it affects the overall argument.

Question 6

What are common mistakes in Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Confusing a series of unrelated statements with an argument, failing to see inferential connections.

Question 7

What are common mistakes in Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy? (2)

Accepted Answer

Mistaking a conditional statement (if... then) for an argument, without recognising that an argument asserts the premises as reasons to accept the conclusion.

Question 8

What are common mistakes in Cambridge OCR A-Level Philosophy? (3)

Accepted Answer

Treating an explanation (e.g., 'why something happened') as an argument, when the speaker assumes the conclusion is already accepted.

Philosophy

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Key Features

Qualification Units

The Language of Reasoning

Credibility and Evidence

Analysis of Arguments

Evaluation of Arguments

Reasoning and Decision Making

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