Some more A2 photos

1. Critically assess the view that Natural Law is of no use when discussing sexual ethics.

2 Evaluate the claim that conscience is the voice of God.

3 ‘God knows the ethical decisions we will make.’ Discuss.

4 To what extent is it true to claim that people have an individual sense of moral responsibility for the environment?

A2 Essay Questions

1. To what extent is the religion you have studied consistent with a utilitarian approach to ethics? (45)

2. How far is killing in warfare more justifiable than other kinds of killing? (45)

3. 'Unless we assume that everyone is free to make moral choices, we have no right to punish criminals.' Discuss. (45)

4. Discuss critically the belief that conscience is the voice of God. (45)

5. Assess the view that conscience is not the voice of God, but is learned. (45)

6. Compare and contrast Utilitarianism with the ethics of the religion you have studied. (45)

7. Discuss the claim that killing in warfare is more justifiable than other kinds of killing. (45)

8. 'Religious ethics prevent progress in embryo research.' Discuss. (45)

9. Assess critically the nature and role of the conscience in ethical decision-making. (45)

10. 'We do not possess any genuine freedom to act ethically.' Discuss. (45)

11. To what extent, if at all, can the ethics of the religion you have studied be interpreted as Utilitarian? (45)

12. Discuss how ethical theories might be applied to issues of war and peace. (45)

AS Exam Essay Questions

If you had to choose one of the following three questions, which would you choose, why, and how would you answer?

1. a) Explain the Hypothetical and Categorical Imperatives. (33)
b) 'It's always right to do one's duty.' Discuss. (17)

2. a) Explain the main features of one absolutist theory of ethics. (33)
b) 'Moral absolutism is too rigid.' Discuss. (17)

3. a) Explain how a follower of Natural Law might respond to issues raised by genetic engineering. (33)
b) 'Genetic engineering is "playing God".' Discuss. (17)

AS Exam Essay Questions

If you had to choose one of these exam questions, which would you choose? What would you write?

1. a) Explain how moral relativism might be applied to voluntary euthanasia. (33)
b) 'Moral relativism is not the best approach to voluntary euthanasia.' Discuss. (17)

2. a) Explain the main differences between Act and Rule Uilitarianism. (33)
b) 'Rule Utilitarianism ignores consequences.' Discuss. (17)

3. a) Explain objections to abortion in the religious ethics you have studied. (33)
b) 'A foetus is a person and should be protected at all costs.' Discuss. (17)

Prayer and Portsmouth: Football and Religion

I heard a really interesting article on the news this evening; could it be that Portsmouth managed to come ninth because of the power of prayer? There is an interesting documentary on 1Xtra called "Praying for a Win" tomorrow; there are a number of Christian players and staff members, who regularly pray before games, in the laundry. They do make it clear that they are not simply praying that they will win, but it is interesting that they did better this year than last ... could the power of prayer at least make some of the players more confident in their own abilities, or less stressed, or change them in some way that makes winning somewhat easier? What do you think?

Radio 4 also mentioned the case of Marvin Andrews, who plays for Trinidad and Tobago and Raith Rovers; whilst playing for Rangers he suffered a cruciate ligament injury that should have been treated through an operation. However, he believed that God wanted him to pray and not have the operation: six weeks later he was playing again, and managed to help Rangers win the league that season.

What other sports people are Christians, or followers of other religions? Do you think prayer makes a difference? How, and why? Should people pray for their teams to win, or does that trivialise prayer?

Fears over NHS drugs costs ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6652183.stm

How much should we have to pay for drugs that keep us alive? Who should be subsidised? If all drugs were to be free, where should the money come from? How do we make the decision about how much to charge for certain drugs? All these are areas relating to medical ethics ...

Stallone admits hormone charges

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6656407.stm

In the Religion and Sport unit with Year 12s, we have looked at the use of drugs in sport - what are the ethical considerations of Sylvester Stallone possessing growth hormone drugs? He was stopped in Sydney while promoting his most recent Rocky movie ... what example is he setting to his fans? What do you think?