Skip to content
    Philosophy A-Level

    Agency and causation as the distinguishing criterion

    What Agency and causation as the distinguishing criterion means in Philosophy A-Level, as defined for AQA.

    Definition of Agency and causation as the distinguishing criterion

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Agency and causation as the distinguishing criterion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    The distinction turns on agency and causation, not on how bad the suffering feels, asking whether a responsible agent's choice is the proximate cause.
    AQA · Arguments relating to the existence of God

    Topics that use Agency and causation as the distinguishing criterion

    Related terms

    Using Agency and causation as the distinguishing criterion in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Philosophy questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Philosophy A-Level terms