Paper 2 — Religion and Ethics

8 subject areas · 16 essays

Model answers organised by subject area, each annotated with mark-scheme commentary to show how AO1 and AO2 band targets are met.

Natural Law

Discuss critically the use of the concept of 'telos' in natural law ethics.

'One of the greatest strengths of natural law is that it provides an absolute and universal standard for judging right and wrong.' Discuss.

Situation Ethics

How useful is situation ethics as a guide to moral decision-making?

'An action is good if it produces the most loving result.' Discuss.

Utilitarianism

How useful is utilitarianism as a guide to moral decision-making?

'Utilitarianism fails because it is impossible to measure happiness and harm.' Discuss.

Euthanasia

'Natural law provides excellent moral guidance for people making decisions about euthanasia.' Discuss.

How convincing is the claim that decisions about euthanasia should be made according to the principles of situation ethics?

Business Ethics

'Globalisation makes it impossible for businesses to act ethically.' Discuss.

'Utilitarianism is the most practical way to deal with issues of business ethics.' Discuss.

Meta-Ethical Theories

'Statements such as "stealing is wrong" are no more than expressions of emotion.' Discuss.

How convincing is the view that moral statements refer to facts that can be observed?

Conscience

'Aquinas' understanding of the conscience is convincing.' Discuss.

To what extent should the conscience be regarded as a reliable guide to moral decision-making?

Sexual Ethics

To what extent are natural law ethics helpful in guiding decisions about sexual behaviour?

How far might utilitarianism provide useful guidelines in discussions about the ethics of homosexuality?