📚 2026 CIE AS Philosophy Exam Changes and Trends | 2026年CIE AS哲学考试变化与趋势
The Cambridge International AS Level Philosophy qualification (9694) is entering an exciting phase. With the revised syllabus first examined in 2023 now firmly established, 2026 represents a year where the assessment model has matured and clear patterns have emerged. Year 12 students need to understand not only the content but also the shifting expectations around evaluation, argument construction, and the integration of themes. This article breaks down the key changes and trends that will shape the 2026 exams, helping you prepare with confidence.
剑桥国际 AS 水平哲学资格证书（9694）正进入一个激动人心的阶段。2023 年首次考试启用的修订版教学大纲如今已根深蒂固，而 2026 年则代表着考核模式已然成熟、清晰的趋势已经显现的一年。12 年级的学生不仅需要理解内容，还需要了解在评价、论证构建以及主题整合方面不断变化的期望。本文将分析将塑造 2026 年考试的关键变化与趋势，帮助你自信备考。
1. Overview of the 9694 Syllabus | 9694 教学大纲概述
The 9694 syllabus, updated for examinations from 2023 onwards, has streamlined the AS course into two distinct papers while deepening the demand for philosophical skill. Unlike earlier versions that sometimes compartmentalised knowledge, the current design encourages students to forge connections between ancient and modern texts, and between epistemological and ethical questions.
9694 教学大纲自 2023 年起更新，将 AS 课程精简为两张独立的试卷，同时加深了对哲学技能的要求。与早期有时将知识割裂开来的版本不同，当前的设计鼓励学生在古代与现代文本之间、在认识论与伦理学问题之间建立联系。
The AS qualification now serves both as a standalone certification and as the first half of the A Level. The content is arranged around four core themes in Paper 1 and a selection of philosophical themes in Paper 2, ensuring a balance of breadth and depth. The 2026 exams will continue with this structure, and examiners have consistently signalled that they want to see genuine philosophical thinking, not mere recall.
AS 资格证书现在既可以作为独立认证，也可以作为 A Level 的前半部分。其内容围绕卷一的四个核心主题和卷二中所选的哲学主题进行编排，确保了广度与深度的平衡。2026 年的考试将继续沿用这一结构，而考官们也不断明示，他们希望看到的是真正的哲学思考，而非简单的回忆复述。
2. Assessment Structure for AS Level | AS 水平考试结构
Understanding the weight and timing of each component is essential. The table below summarises the AS assessment structure that will remain in place for 2026.
理解各部分的权重和时长至关重要。下表总结了将延续至 2026 年的 AS 评估结构。
| Paper | Duration | Marks | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Core Themes | 2 hours | 80 | Three compulsory structured questions |
| Paper 2: Philosophical Themes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 60 | Answer one question from Section A and one from Section B |
Note that Paper 1 carries more weight and allows the demonstration of detailed knowledge across the four core themes: What is philosophy?, Epistemology, Ethics, and Philosophy of mind. Paper 2 demands the application of these skills to specific philosophical texts and debates, with Section A focusing on ancient philosophical themes and Section B on modern philosophical themes.
请注意，卷一权重更高，并且允许在四个核心主题——什么是哲学、认识论、伦理学、心灵哲学——中展示详细的知识。卷二则要求将这些技能应用于具体的哲学文本和争论中，其中 A 部分聚焦于古代哲学主题，B 部分聚焦于现代哲学主题。
For 2026, the balance of assessment objectives (AO) remains AO1 (knowledge and understanding) at about 40%, AO2 (analysis and evaluation) at about 60%. This weighting underlines the trend towards making evaluation the heart of the exam.
对于 2026 年，评估目标的权重仍为 AO1（知识与理解）约占 40%，AO2（分析与评价）约占 60%。这一权重凸显了将评价置于考试核心的趋势。
3. Paper 1: Core Themes – The Four Pillars | 卷一：核心主题——四大支柱
Paper 1 addresses four compulsory themes, each tested through structured questions with sub-parts (a), (b), and often (c). In 2026, you can expect these questions to combine a demand for precise content knowledge with an invitation to critically engage.
卷一涉及四个必修主题，每个主题通过包含 (a)、(b) 且常有 (c) 小问的结构化题目进行考查。在 2026 年，你可以预期这些题目会将对精确内容知识的要求与进行批判性参与的邀请结合起来。
Theme 1, ‘What is philosophy?’, introduces philosophical method and the nature of philosophical questions. While seemingly introductory, this theme now frequently appears in part (b) or (c) questions asking you to assess the value of conceptual analysis. Theme 2, Epistemology, covers perception, reason, knowledge and justification, and here you must be ready to compare empiricist and rationalist positions. Theme 3, Ethics, demands engagement with normative theories like utilitarianism and deontology, often in applied contexts. Theme 4, Philosophy of mind, explores the mind-body problem, dualism, and physicalism, and strong answers will evaluate the explanatory power of these theories.
主题一“什么是哲学？”介绍了哲学方法和哲学问题的本质。虽看似入门，但该主题如今常出现在 (b) 或 (c) 问中，要求你评估概念分析的价值。主题二认识论涵盖知觉、理性、知识与辩护，你必须准备好比较经验主义与理性主义的立场。主题三伦理学要求接触功利主义和义务论等规范理论，且常在应用情境中考查。主题四心灵哲学探讨身心问题、二元论和物理主义，出色的回答会评价这些理论的解释力。
A distinct trend since 2023 has been the expectation that candidates can identify similarities and differences across these themes. For example, a question on justification in epistemology might ask you to link the problem to ethical reasoning. This cross-theme integration is set to become even more pronounced in 2026.
自 2023 年以来，一个明显的趋势是期望考生能识别这些主题之间的相似和差异之处。例如，一道关于认识论中辩护的问题可能会要求你将该问题与伦理推理联系起来。这种跨主题整合在 2026 年将变得更加显著。
4. Paper 2: Philosophical Themes – Ancient and Modern | 卷二：哲学主题——古代与现代
Paper 2 requires you to answer one question from Section A (ancient philosophical themes) and one from Section B (modern philosophical themes). Each question is worth 30 marks and typically asks you to write a sustained, evaluative essay. In 2026, the questions will continue to be based on prescribed texts, but the way they are phrased encourages a synoptic approach.
卷二要求你从 A 部分（古代哲学主题）和 B 部分（现代哲学主题）各回答一题。每题 30 分，通常要求撰写一篇连贯的评价性文章。在 2026 年，题目将继续基于指定文本，但其措辞方式会鼓励一种综览全局的答题方法。
In Section A, students study themes from Plato and Aristotle, such as the theory of Forms, the nature of the soul, and virtue ethics. The trend here is to move beyond simple exposition: you might be asked to evaluate whether Aristotle’s function argument successfully responds to Platonic challenges. Section B typically includes modern thinkers like Descartes, Hume, and Mill. Questions increasingly ask you to assess the implications of a thinker’s argument for contemporary debates, for instance, whether Descartes’ conceivability argument for substance dualism holds up against modern physicalist criticisms.
在 A 部分，学生学习柏拉图和亚里士多德的主题，如理念论、灵魂的本质以及德性伦理学。此处的趋势是超越简单的阐述：你可能会被要求评价亚里士多德的功能论证是否成功回应了柏拉图的挑战。B 部分通常包括笛卡尔、休谟和密尔等现代思想家。试题越来越多地要求你评估某位思想家的论证对当代争论的启示，例如笛卡尔关于实体二元论的可设想性论证能否经受住现代物理主义批评。
For 2026, examiners underline that essays must demonstrate a clear argumentative structure, not just a set of loosely connected points. The ability to weigh up strengths and weaknesses and come to a justified conclusion is the single most important discriminator for high marks.
对于 2026 年，考官强调，文章必须展现出清晰的论证结构，而不仅仅是一组松散连接的要点。权衡优劣并得出有理由支撑的结论的能力，是获得高分的最重要区分因素。
5. The Shift Towards Higher-Order Evaluation | 向高阶评价的转变
Perhaps the most significant change post-2023, which will be fully embedded by 2026, is the heightened emphasis on evaluation. In the past, many mark schemes rewarded accurate exposition. Now, even part (a) questions that ask for a brief account expect some evaluative element, and part (c) questions are explicitly built around the phrase ‘Assess’ or ‘Evaluate’.
或许 2023 年后最重要的变化——并将在 2026 年全面融入——是对评价的高度重视。过去，许多评分方案奖励准确的阐述。如今，即便是要求简要说明的 (a) 问也期待某种评价元素，而 (c) 问则明确围绕“评估”或“评价”这一用语构建。
This shift means that for every key argument, theory, or distinction, you should not only know what it says but also what it assumes, what its weaknesses are, and whether it withstands common objections. In 2026, candidates who simply describe Plato’s simile of the cave will not reach the higher bands; those who assess its epistemological limits, consider counter-interpretations, and link it to the nature of philosophical enlightenment will excel.
这一转变意味着，对于每一个关键论证、理论或区分，你不仅要知道它说了什么，还要知道它的假设是什么、弱点是什么，以及它是否经得起常见的反驳。在 2026 年，仅仅描述柏拉图的洞穴寓言的考生将无法达到高分段；那些评估其认识论局限、考虑不同诠释并将其与哲学启蒙的本质联系起来的考生则会表现出色。
This trend is visible across all themes: in ethics, comparing the act/omission distinction in utilitarianism and deontology; in philosophy of mind, assessing the knowledge argument against physicalism. Make evaluation a habit in your revision.
这一趋势在所有主题中都可见：在伦理学中，比较功利主义与义务论中的作为/不作为区分；在心灵哲学中，评估反对物理主义的知识论证。让评价成为你复习中的一种习惯。
6. Strengthening Argument Construction | 加强论证建构
Tied to evaluation is the demand for robust argument construction. From 2023 onwards, examiners’ reports consistently highlight that the weakest essays are those that just list pros and cons without developing a line of reasoning. By 2026, you can expect this to be a sharp focus.
与评价紧密相连的是对扎实论证建构的要求。从 2023 年起，考官报告不断指出，最薄弱的文章是那些只罗列利弊而未能展开一条推理主线的文章。到了 2026 年，你可以预期这将成为明确的重点。
A strong philosophical argument in the CIE context requires a clear thesis, logically ordered support, and a conclusion that follows from the reasoning. It also requires you to show awareness of alternative views and explain why your position is more convincing. In Paper 2 essays, this is explicitly assessed through the holistic marking approach, where coherence and flow matter as much as content.
在 CIE 语境中，一个有力的哲学论证需要清晰的论点、逻辑有序的支撑以及从推理中得出的结论。它还需要你展示对不同观点的意识，并解释为何你的立场更具说服力。在卷二的文章中，这一点通过整体评分方法得到明确评估，其中连贯性和流畅性与内容同等重要。
A practical trend for 2026 is that pre-planned, memorised essays will be far less effective. The questions are crafted to probe genuine understanding, and generic evaluative phrases like ‘This is a strong argument but some disagree’ will not suffice. Instead, you need to practise building arguments from scratch under timed conditions.
2026 年的一个实际趋势是，预先计划好并背下来的文章将远不如过去有效。试题经过精心设计以探查真正的理解，而像“这是一个强有力的论证，但有些人不同意”这样的通用评价用语将不再够用。相反，你需要在限时条件下练习从零开始构建论证。
7. Integration of Themes Across Papers | 跨卷主题整合
One of the clearest trends from recent series, and one that will likely intensify in 2026, is the integration of themes. Paper 1 and Paper 2 are no longer islands; examiners actively design rubrics that encourage thinking across the syllabus.
近期考季中最明显的趋势之一，也是在 2026 年可能强化的，是主题的整合。卷一和卷二不再是孤岛；考官们积极设计鼓励跨大纲思考的评分指引。
For instance, a Paper 1 question on the nature of knowledge might ask you to draw on Descartes’ scepticism from Paper 2 to assess the reliability of sense experience. Similarly, a Paper 2 essay on Aristotle’s virtue ethics could require you to link it to the core theme of normative ethics and discuss how it compares to consequentialism. This cross-fertilisation makes the subject more coherent but also raises the bar for preparation.
例如，一道卷一中关于知识本质的题目可能会要求你运用卷二笛卡尔的怀疑论来评估感官经验的可靠性。类似地，一篇关于亚里士多德德性伦理学的卷二文章可能会要求你将其与规范伦理学的核心主题联系起来，并讨论它与后果论相比如何。这种交叉渗透使学科更具连贯性，但也提高了备考的门槛。
To meet this trend, your revision should not be organised solely by paper or theme. Create concept maps that show how epistemological problems relate to philosophy of mind, or how ancient ethical theories inform modern debates. This integrated understanding is what examiners in 2026 will reward as genuinely philosophical.
为了顺应这一趋势，你的复习不应仅仅按试卷或主题来组织。创建概念图，展示认识论问题如何与心灵哲学相关，或者古代伦理理论如何为现代争论提供依据。这种整合性的理解是 2026 年考官会作为真正的哲学素养予以奖励的东西。
8. Use of Primary Texts and Examples | 原始文本与例子的运用
From 2023, there has been a renewed push for candidates to engage with primary philosophical texts, not just textbook summaries. In 2026, this expectation will be even more explicit. Whether you are discussing Hume’s fork or Mill’s harm principle, direct reference to the text—using quotations where appropriate and interpreting them—adds authority to your answer.
从 2023 年起，对考生接触哲学原始文本而非仅仅停留在教科书摘要上的推动已然更新。在 2026 年，这一期望将更为明确。无论你在讨论休谟的叉子还是密尔的伤害原则，直接引用文本——适当使用引语并加以解读——会为你的回答增添权威性。
This does not mean memorising long passages verbatim. Rather, it means knowing a few short, pivotal phrases that capture the essence of a philosopher’s position, and being able to explain what they mean. For example, ‘I think, therefore I am’ in Descartes or ‘One swallow does not make a summer’ in Aristotle’s ethics. The trend in marking is that such precise textual engagement distinguishes top-tier scripts.
这并不意味着要逐字背诵长篇段落。相反，它意味着知道几个短小却关键的短语，这些短语捕捉了哲学家立场的精髓，并且能够解释它们的含义。例如，笛卡尔的“我思故我在”或亚里士多德伦理学中的“一燕不成夏”。评分趋势表明，这种精确的文本参与能使高分答卷脱颖而出。
Additionally, original and well-chosen examples of your own can demonstrate critical thinking. In preparing for 2026, practise generating philosophical examples that are not from the textbook, to illustrate points about consciousness, moral dilemmas, or sceptical scenarios. This shows independence and is highly valued.
此外，你自己独到且精心挑选的例子可以展示批判性思维。在为 2026 年备考时，练习提出并非来自教科书的哲学例子，用以说明关于意识、道德困境或怀疑论情境的论点。这展现独立性，并受到高度珍视。
9. Marking Criteria and Assessment Objectives Deconstructed | 评分标准与评估目标解构
To navigate the 2026 exams, you must understand how marks are allocated. The mark schemes are built on two assessment objectives. AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding) includes accurate description of theories, arguments, and concepts. AO2 (Analysis and Evaluation) includes identifying assumptions, making comparisons, assessing strengths and weaknesses, and forming a reasoned judgement.
要驾驭 2026 年的考试，你必须理解分数是如何分配的。评分方案建立在两个评估目标之上。AO1（知识与理解）包括对理论、论证和概念的准确描述。AO2（分析与评价）包括识别假设、进行比较、评估优缺点以及形成有理由的判断。
In Paper 2, the generic mark scheme for each essay ranges from ‘basic’ to ‘excellent’ in bands, with ‘excellent’ requiring a fully sustained evaluative argument that is consistently relevant and well structured. A common mistake is to front-load AO1 and tack on AO2 at the end. By 2026, integrated evaluation—where analysis is woven throughout the answer—will be the hallmark of a Grade A candidate.
在卷二中，每篇文章的通用评分方案包含从“基础”到“优秀”的等级划分，“优秀”要求有一个完全持续且始终相关、结构良好的评价性论证。一个常见错误是将 AO1 放在开头，而在结尾才附加上 AO2。到了 2026 年，整合式评价——即分析贯穿于整个回答之中——将成为 A 等级考生的标志。
Use this insight in practice: when you explain the categorical imperative, immediately voice a Kantian response to a criticism. Do not leave evaluation for a final paragraph. This depth-first approach aligns with the trajectory examiners have been on since the syllabus refresh.
在实践中运用这一见解：当你解释绝对命令时，立即说出康德的立场对某一批评的回应。不要将评价留到最后的段落。这种深度优先的方法与自大纲更新以来考官们一直沿循的路径相符。
10. Trends in Exam Questions (2023-2026) | 考试题目趋势（2023-2026）
Analysing past papers from 2023 to 2025 reveals clear patterns that will persist into 2026. Paper 1 part (c) questions now almost invariably begin with ‘Assess the strengths and weaknesses of…’ or ‘Evaluate the claim that…’. The part (b) questions often ask for comparison, such as ‘Compare the ways in which rationalists and empiricists account for a priori knowledge.’ These stems require more than description.
分析 2023 年至 2025 年的历年真题可以发现，一些清晰的模式将持续到 2026 年。卷一 (c) 问现在几乎总是以“评估……的优缺点”或“评价……的主张”开头。(b) 问则常常要求比较，例如“比较理性主义者和经验主义者解释先天知识的方式”。这些题干的要求超出了描述。
In Paper 2, the trend is towards questions that ask you to ‘discuss critically’ or examine the ‘implications’ of a philosopher’s view. A noticeable shift is the use of synoptic phrasing: ‘How far does Aristotle’s account of the good life offer a successful response to the problems of hedonism?’ This expects you to reach across themes and texts. In 2026, the questions will continue to be framed to discourage pre-prepared answers and reward real philosophical engagement.
在卷二中，趋势是提问方式要求你“批判性地讨论”或审查某位哲学家观点的“启示”。一个值得注意的变化是使用了综览式表述：“亚里士多德对良善生活的论述在多大程度上提供了一个对享乐主义问题的成功回应？”这要求你跨越主题和文本。在 2026 年，题目将继续以阻止预先准备、奖励真正哲学参与的方式构建。
Looking ahead, it is likely that the difficulty of evaluation will increase slightly, with some questions asking you to evaluate a position from the standpoint of another philosopher not explicitly named in the question, testing your ability to apply knowledge flexibly.
展望未来，评价的难度很可能会略微增加，一些题目会让你从未在题干中明确指出的另一位哲学家的立场出发来评价一个立场，以此检验你灵活运用知识的能力。
11. Preparation Strategies for 2026 | 2026 年备考策略
Given these trends, a purely content-focused revision approach is insufficient. You need a skill-based strategy. First, practise writing timed essays every week, focusing on constructing an argument flowchart before writing. Second, keep an ‘evaluation diary’: for every theory, write down at least two strengths, two weaknesses, and a thoughtful overall judgement.
鉴于这些趋势，纯粹以内容为中心的复习方法是不够的。你需要一个基于技能的策略。首先，每周练习限时写作文章，重点是在动笔前构建论证流程图。其次，保持一本“评价日记”：对于每个理论，写下至少两个优点、两个缺点以及一个深思熟虑的总体判断。
Third, form study groups where you ask each other cross-theme questions, like ‘What would Hume say about the concept of the soul in Plato’s Phaedo?’ Fourth, make a note of recurring philosophical vocabulary (a priori, empirical, synthetic, dualism, teleological) and ensure you can use these terms accurately in context. Fifth, regularly review examiner reports from 2023 to 2025; they contain specific advice on what separates mid-level from high-level performance that remains highly relevant for 2026.
第三，组织学习小组，互相提问跨主题的问题，例如“休谟会如何看待柏拉图的《斐多篇》中关于灵魂的概念？”第四，记录不断出现的哲学术语（先天、经验、综合、二元论、目的论），并确保你能在语境中准确使用这些术语。第五，定期回顾 2023 年至 2025 年的考官报告；它们包含了将中等水平与高水平表现区分开来的具体建议，这些建议对 2026 年仍然高度相关。
Finally, do not neglect your own philosophical voice. Examiners want to see that you have genuinely reflected on the problems. In your revision, spend time simply thinking and discussing the issues; this mental rehearsal is as important as written practice.
最后，不要忽视你自己的哲学声音。考官希望看到你真的反思过这些问题。在你的复习中，花些时间只是思考和讨论这些议题；这种心智演练与书面练习同等重要。
12. Conclusion: Embracing the New Philosophy Assessment | 结论：拥抱新哲学评估
The 2026 CIE AS Philosophy examination is not a radical departure from 2023-2025, but it represents the full realisation of the reformed syllabus’s aims: less regurgitation, more genuine philosophical thinking. Students who adapt to the demand for integrated evaluation, robust argumentation, and deep textual engagement will not only secure top marks but also develop transferable skills in critical reasoning.
2026 年 CIE AS 哲学考试并非对 2023-2025 年的彻底背离，但它代表着修订版教学大纲目标的完全实现：少一些照本宣科，多一些真正的哲学思考。那些适应了整合式评价、扎实论证和深度文本参与需求的学生，不仅将斩获高分，还能培养出可迁移的批判性推理技能。
By understanding the structure, mastering the assessment objectives, and staying alert to the ongoing trends, you can turn these changes to your advantage. Approach your Year 12 philosophy studies with curiosity and rigour, and 2026 will be a year of genuine intellectual achievement.
通过理解结构、掌握评估目标并敏锐关注持续的趋势，你可以将这些变化转化为自身的优势。带着好奇心和严谨的态度投入 12 年级的哲学学习，2026 年将成为一个真正取得智识成就的年份。
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