Mark my Essay ...

Remember, I wrote this in 20 minutes, which is why there is no substantial part (b). Sorry! But now try and mark it using the mark scheme in the previous post, and post a comment telling me how many marks I would get for part (a), and why.

First podcast ...

Well, AS class, I said I'd try and make a podcast. I think I have succeeded (although I'm afraid since it's my first attempt it may be quite boring!) I'm not sure if I can host it here ... I'm going to try though. In the meantime, find it on my podbean site.



I did it!!!! Can you listen to it okay? Remember, try listening to it with a pen and paper.

First podcast ...

Well, AS class, I said I'd try and make a podcast. I think I have succeeded (although I'm afraid since it's my first attempt it may be quite boring!) I'm not sure if I can host it here ... I'm going to try though. In the meantime, find it on my podbean site.

AS Ethics - Main Paper

Here's an overview of what you need to know for the main Ethics paper:

Kant and the Categorical Imperative
- Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, 1785)
- The moral law
- Good will and duty
- The Imperatives (Categorical and Hypothetical)
- The Kingdom of Ends
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Position on Medical Ethics (abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, embryology, right to a child)

Utilitarianism

- Jeremy Bentham (Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, 1789)
- Principle of Utility
- Teleological ... consequences
- Humans seek pleasure and try to avoid pain.
- An action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number.
- The Hedonic Calculus: intensity, duration, certainty, closeness, followed by similar sensations, purity, extent.

- John Stuart Mill (Utilitarianism, 1863)
- If quantitative pleasure, nothing would stop one's pleasure being extinguished for the sake of the minority.
- Therefore: qualitative pleasures are better.
- Higher pleasures (of the mind) and lower pleasures (of the body)

- Act Utilitarianism
- each individual situation
- flexible
- could justify virtually any act

- Rule Utilitarianism
- best overall rule which if followed by whole community leads to greatest result
- JSM: I must obey the rule even if it does not lead to the greatest pleasure for me in this situation
- could still permit morally unacceptable practices eg slavery

- Strengths and Weaknesses of each position
- Position on Medical Ethics

Absolute and Relative Morality
- Know the difference between the two
- Know examples of Ethical Theories that fit into each
- Know Philosophers attached to each
- Know strengths and weaknesses of each
- Know the position of each on Medical Ethics

Medical Ethics
- You will be asked questions about the positions of various ethical theories on the following areas of medical ethics:
- Abortion
- Euthanasia
- Genetic Engineering (in particular, cloning)
- Embryology
- The right to a child (not to be confused with the right to life!)
- You should know the strengths and weaknesses of each of the theories when dealing with these issues.
- You should know some key facts and issues that should be addressed in each issue.

As you can see, we still have a lot to revise ... watch this space for more help, suggestions and exam questions!

A Note to my AS Class

Hello! Hope you are remembering to have a look on this blog for help with revision! Not a lot on Utilitarianism at the moment, I'm afraid, but there will be some to come ... watch this space! In the meantime, read through your notes, highlight the key passages, and summarise what you are learning, so you can revise from it more easily in the few weeks to come. Good luck!