AS Level Philosophy and Ethics Handbook RS1/2 ETH Introduction to Ethics RS1/2 PHI Introduction to Philosophy 1
Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics Philosophy and Ethics is one of the most highly regarded, academically challenging and personally stimulating subjects you can study at A Level. We look at the philosophy of religion and religious ethics, which can lead onto courses, degrees and vocational training in disciplines either relating to religion or in pure philosophy, law and politics. The AS course is made up of two units, which will be taught separately; Philosophy will be taught by Miss Crosweller in two hours a week and Ethics will be taught by Mr. Millsted in two hours a week. You will have lots of practice to help you prepare for the exams at the end of each year and the more work you do, the better your grade will be. Obviously. Frequently Asked Questions Q. Do I have to be religious to study Philosophy and Ethics? A. No! Whether you are religious or not, your views will be challenged and you will be asked to reflect on your own responses to certain topics. Your religious or secular beliefs will inform your arguments but neither perspective will give you any disadvantage in the exam. Q. Will I have to study Christianity in Philosophy and Ethics? A. The majority of the AS course involves Christianity because the philosophy of Western Europe has been formulated by and developed within Christianity. However, you will also look at other world religions. The A2 course involves a lot of freedom as to which religions you study and refer to in both aspects of the course. Q. Is the AS/A Level similar to GCSE Religious Studies? A. If you have done Philosophy and Ethics at GCSE there will be a few elements which cross over into the AS/A Level. However, you will be studying the topics at a far higher and deeper level and will approach them in a different way. Whether or not you ve done the GCSE, you will find the AS/A Level interesting. Q. Will there be a lot of writing? A. This is an essay subject, and you will be expected to write essays throughout the year to help prepare you for the exams in the summer. The writing you will be doing in this course is similar to the style of writing expected at university level for many essay subjects. You will have the support and feedback to help you perfect your writing style, but don t be afraid to ask for extra help if you need it. Q. Do I have to do a lot of extra reading? A. Extra reading serves two purposes. Firstly, it helps you to get to terms with the subject matter in many ways which helps you remember it. Secondly, by reading academic essays, journals and books you will be absorbing the style of writing necessary for getting a good grade in this 2
qualification. The more you read, the better you ll do. You will be given some pointers for what to read and opportunities to find extra reading yourself, too. Q. Do I need to buy any books for the course? A. We recommend certain textbooks to help you with the course. These can be found at the back of this handbook with a wider reading list. If you buy a textbook and keep it in good condition, we will buy them from you at the end of the year at 50%. Q. What can I do with this qualification? A. Anything! Philosophy and Ethics is one of the most highly regarded A Level qualifications. It can be taken alongside Science for medical students, it can be useful for those considering joining the armed forces, and it is useful for studying Law. One of the most prestigious university degrees, PPE at Oxford, is made up of Philosophy, Politics and Economics and is a degree read by many present and past politicians and Prime Ministers. Choose a career and you could argue that Philosophy and Ethics will help you get into it especially as Philosophy and Ethics helps you argue effectively! 3
The Examination Process The AS Level consists of two exams taken at the end of the year. Each exam is 1 ¼ hours long and contains four questions. You will answer two of these four, but will study all four topics during the year. The exams usually take place on one day, so time management and good revision/preparation is essential to make sure you do yourself justice in the exam. We aim to finish teaching the course in good time to allow revision of the syllabus. Exam questions include part a) and part b) question. At AS Level, a) is worth 30 marks and b) is worth 15 marks. Part a) is known as AO1 and b) is known as AO2. This refers to the skills required for each question. AO1 AO2 Select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. In addition, for synoptic assessment, A level candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study. Critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, A level candidates should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of human experience. You will have practice throughout the year at answering exam questions using past paper material. These exam questions may be completed for homework, in class, under timed conditions or in any other way your teachers can devise. It s not the most fun thing to do, but the more practice questions you complete, the better the chance of you fulfilling your potential in the subject. 4
Introduction to Ethics This option should be studied in the light of the overall aims and objectives for Religious Studies and the Subject Criteria for Religious Studies. It provides the opportunity for study of different approaches to the identification and resolution of moral issues of importance in human experience. All of the following topics should be studied. To study less than the full Specification content may disadvantage a candidate's synoptic grasp of the material. Candidates may use information and ideas from one topic to answer questions on another where relevant and appropriate. An awareness of the contribution of modern scholarship to understanding of these topics is expected. Four structured essay questions will be set, of which candidates will be required to answer two. All questions will carry equal marks. Subject Content Topics 1. Aquinas Natural Law Natural law as an absolutist/deontological moral theory. Aquinas four levels of law eternal, divine, natural and human Aquinas idea that the highest good is the rational understanding and following of God s final purpose The five primary precepts which are developed in the secondary precepts, created in order to establish a right relationship with God The three revealed virtues (faith, hope and charity), and four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance); interior/exterior acts and real/apparent goods. Issues Strengths and weaknesses of Natural Law Does Natural Law provide an adequate basis for moral decisionmaking? Could Natural Law s absolutist approach promote injustice and/or morally wrong behaviour? To what extent can Natural Law as an absolutist and deontological theory work in today s society? How far is Natural Law compatible with a religious approach to moral decision making? Candidates will be expected to give examples of the application of Natural Law, which may be drawn from the issues listed in Section 4 or from other issues they have studied. Candidates should consider the degree to which Natural Law is compatible with the traditional ethical teaching of one major world religion. 2. Situation Ethics: Joseph Fletcher Situation Ethics as a relativistic and consequentialist/ teleological theory. The reasons why Fletcher rejected antinomianism and legalism. The concept of agape love; Fletcher s four working principles and the six fundamental principles The biblical evidence used to support the relativistic approach taken by Situation Ethics the teachings of Jesus and St Paul. Candidates will be expected to give examples of the application of Situation Ethics, which may be drawn from the issues listed in Section 4 or from other issues they have studied. 5 Strengths and weaknesses of Situation Ethics Does agape provide an adequate basis for moral decision-making? Could the principles of Situation Ethics promote injustice and/or morally wrong behaviour? To what extent can Situation Ethics as a relativistic and teleological theory work in today s society? How far is Situation Ethics compatible with a religious approach to moral decision making?
Candidates should consider the degree to which Situation Ethics is compatible with the traditional ethical teaching of one major world religion. 3. Utilitarianism : Bentham and Mill Bentham s Act Utilitarianism Utilitarianism as a relativistic and consequentionalist/ teleological theory. The principle of utility the greatest happiness for the greatest number based on the quantity of pleasure/happiness (maximise pleasure and minimise pain) and the seven criteria of the hedonic calculus (intensity, duration, certainty, remoteness, richness, purity and extent) Mill s Rule Utilitarianism Higher and lower pleasures, based on the quality of pleasure/happiness and not the quantity. Rule Utilitarianism: based on the fact that an act is right if it meets a set of rules, which as a consequence of being followed maximise pleasure/happiness. The different forms of Rule Utilitarianism: weak and strong. Candidates will be expected to give examples of the application of Utilitarianism, which may be drawn from the issues listed in Section 4 or from other issues they have studied. Strengths and weaknesses of Utilitarianism Does happiness provide an adequate basis for moral decision making? Could Utilitarianism s use of the principle of utility/the hedonic calculus promote injustice and/ or morally wrong behaviour? To what extent can Utilitarianism as a relativistic and teleological theory work in today s society? How far is Utilitarianism compatible with a religious approach to moral decision making? Candidates should consider the degree to which both Act and Rule Utilitarianism are compatible with the traditional ethical teaching of one major world religion. 4. Applied Ethics The ethical teaching of one major world religion on: Sexual orientation Sex outside marriage, including sex between unmarried partners, gay and lesbian sex, and adultery Marriage, including the purposes of marriage, sex within marriage, gay and lesbian marriage and civil partnerships Candidates should consider the religious principles involved in response to the issues identified and should understand how such ethics are based on religious authority (sacred texts, leaders, tradition, conscience and reason). They should also understand how religious concepts (such as God as creator, the sanctity of marriage, agape love, responsibility to God and sin) affect moral principles and be aware of the emergence of absolutist rules, general principles and priorities of doctrine over reasons/feelings/circumstances. In today s increasingly secular society, how relevant and/or adequate are the religious responses to these issues? To what extent can a relativistic approach to these issues be considered more relevant in today s society? Is the current move away from religious responses to these issues beneficial or harmful to individuals and society? To what extent might traditional religious attitudes towards these issues be considered discriminatory and unfair? Where appropriate, candidates may also draw upon one or more of the ethical theories in the other sections of this Option when making their evaluations. Where appropriate, candidates should be aware of diversity of ethical attitude and behaviour within the religion studied. 6
Introduction to Philosophy This option should be studied in the light of the overall aims and objectives for Religious Studies and the Subject Criteria for Religious Studies. It provides the opportunity for study of fundamental philosophical themes, including issues raised by human experiences of evil and suffering. Candidates may answer questions exclusively from the Judaeo-Christian tradition, but credit will be given for relevant perspectives on appropriate material from other religious traditions. All of the following topics should be studied. To study less than the full Specification content may disadvantage a candidate's synoptic grasp of the material. Candidates may use information and ideas from one topic to answer questions on another where relevant and appropriate. An awareness of the contribution of modern scholarship to understanding these topics is expected. Four structured questions will be set, of which candidates will be required to answer two. All questions will carry equal marks. Subject Content Topics 1. The existence of God (i) Cosmological Arguments The cosmological argument based on first cause, motion and contingency including reference to Aquinas The kalam version with reference to both Craig and Miller Additional cosmological arguments, including Leibniz principle of sufficient reason Arguments against the cosmological argument, including those of Hume, Russell and Kenny 2. The existence of God (ii) Teleological Arguments The teleological argument based on evidence of order, design and purpose as originated by Plato, Aristotle and Aquinas Developments of the argument, including Paley (watchmaker analogy) and the anthropic and aesthetic principles Arguments against the teleological, including reference to Hume, Kant and the challenges presented by natural selection and the problem of evil. 3. Evil and Suffering The challenge of evil and suffering to belief in the existence and nature of God based on the inconsistent triad and concept of God as Creator The nature of evil (natural/physical; moral), including appropriate exemplification Particular problems caused by animal, innocent and immense suffering 7 Issues Whether the strengths of the cosmological arguments outweigh their weaknesses Whether the arguments fail to establish the probability of God s existence Whether the arguments are unconvincing Whether the cosmological arguments demonstrate that the existence of God is more probable than the non-existence of God. How strong is the teleological argument in proving the existence of God? How persuasive is the teleological argument? Whether the challenge of the counter arguments make the teleological argument ineffective Does the evidence from science support or discredit the teleological argument? Whether there is an adequate religious answer to the problem of evil. Whether animal, innocent, and immense suffering are strong proofs against the existence of the God of Classical Theism How successful is each of the stated theodicies in responding to the problem of evil? Whether either of the theodicies is more
The Augustinian and Irenaean theodicies, including both classical and modern presentations and unresolved issues of animal suffering, suffering of the innocent and extent of suffering 4. An introduction to Religious Experience: Mysticism The nature of mystical experience Types of mystical experience, including reference to William James Mysticism in practice: a study of one religious mystic chosen by the candidate, e.g. St Teresa of Avila; Meister Eckhart; Isaac Luria; Rumi; Shankara etc. Problems of objectivity and authenticity: the challenges to mysticism convincing than the other in offering a solution to the problem of evil Whether both of the theodicies fail to explain the existence of suffering in a world supposedly created and controlled by God What are the challenges for mysticism in an empirical world? How can the experiences of mysticism affect religious belief and practice? Should the challenge of difficulties relating to authenticity be allowed to devalue a mystical experience? How can mysticism support religious belief? Does mysticism have any value in the modern world? 8
Course Books Philosophy OCR Philosophy of Religion for AS and A2, Matthew Taylor, ed. Jon Mayled (ISBN: 0415468248) Philosophy of Religion for A Level, Anne Jordan (ISBN: 0748780785) Ethics OCR Religious Ethics for AS and A2, Jill Oliphant, ed. Jon Mayled (ISBN: 0415468256) Ethical Studies, Robert Bowie (ISBN: 0748780793) Revision Guide WJEC AS Religious Studies: An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion and an Introduction to Religion and Ethics - Study and Revision Guide, Karl Lawson and Andrew Pearce (ISBN: 1908682078) NB: We do the WJEC qualification, but the OCR books are most useful for your reference with the exception of the revision guide. A Short List of Suggested Wider Reading Philosophy Sophie s World, Jostein Gaarder (ISBN: 0374530718) o A page-turning novel that is also an exploration of the great philosophical concepts of Western thought, Sophie's World has fired the imagination of readers all over the world, with more than twenty million copies in print. o One day fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen comes home from school to find in her mailbox two notes, with one question on each: "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" From that irresistible beginning, Sophie becomes obsessed with questions that take her far beyond what she knows of her Norwegian village. Through those letters, she enrolls in a kind of correspondence course, covering Socrates to Sartre, with a mysterious philosopher, while receiving letters addressed to another girl. Who is Hilde? And why does her mail keep turning up? To unravel this riddle, Sophie must use the philosophy she is learning--but the truth turns out to be far more complicated than she could have imagined. The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher, Julian Baggini (ISBN: 0452287448) o Both entertaining and startling, The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten offers one hundred philosophical puzzles that stimulate thought on a host of moral, social, and personal dilemmas. Taking examples from sources as diverse as Plato and Steven Spielberg, author Julian Baggini presents abstract philosophical issues in concrete terms, suggesting possible solutions while encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions: o Lively, clever, and thought-provoking, The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten is a portable feast for the mind that is sure to satisfy any intellectual appetite. 9
The Declaration, Gemma Malley (ISBN: 1408836882) o Sixteen-year-old Anna should not have been born. It is the year 2140 and people can live for ever. No one wants another mouth to feed, so she lives in a Surplus Hall, where unwanted children go to learn valuable lessons at least she wasn't put down at birth. One day, a new inmate arrives. Anna's life is thrown into chaos. He says things about her parents and the Outside that couldn't possibly be true or could they? Ethics Hard Times, Charles Dickens o A damning indictment of Utlilitarianism and the dehumanising influence of the Industrial Revolution, Charles Dickens's Hard Times is edited with an introduction and notes by Kate Flint in Penguin Classics. o In Hard Times, the Northern mill-town of Coketown is dominated by the figure of Mr Thomas Gradgrind, school headmaster and model of Utilitarian success. Feeding both his pupils and family with facts, he bans fancy and wonder from any young minds. As a consequence his obedient daughter Louisa marries the loveless businessman and 'bully of humanity' Mr Bounderby, and his son Tom rebels to become embroiled in gambling and robbery. And, as their fortunes cross with those of free-spirited circus girl Sissy Jupe and victimized weaver Stephen Blackpool, Gradgrind is eventually forced to recognize the value of the human heart in an age of materialism and machinery. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini (ISBN: 140882485X) o Afghanistan, 1975: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption. On Chesil Beach, Ian McEwan (ISBN: 0099512793) o It is July 1962. Edward and Florence, young innocents married that morning, arrive at a hotel on the Dorset coast. At dinner in their rooms they struggle to suppress their private fears of the wedding night to come... 10