Self and life after death

This topic explores philosophical and theological questions about the nature of the self and the possibility of life after death. It examines different views on what constitutes personal identity—whether it is the physical body, the mind, or an immaterial soul—and how these views relate to beliefs about an afterlife. Students will engage with key arguments from Plato, Aristotle, and religious traditions, as well as modern critiques from thinkers like Richard Dawkins and John Hick.

Understanding this topic is crucial for AQA A-Level Religious Studies because it connects to broader themes in philosophy of religion, such as the problem of evil and the nature of God. It also requires critical evaluation of evidence, including near-death experiences and reincarnation claims. Mastery of this content enables students to construct coherent arguments about the self and immortality, which are central to many religious worldviews.

This topic fits within the 'Philosophy of Religion' component of the AQA specification. It builds on earlier work on arguments for God's existence and the problem of evil, and it prepares students for discussions about miracles and religious experience. The key is to balance philosophical reasoning with an understanding of religious teachings, particularly from Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.