This subtopic examines utilitarian ethical theory, focusing on its development from Bentham's act utilitarianism to Mill's rule utilitarianism, and evaluating its application to moral dilemmas. Students critically analyse the principle of utility, the hedonic calculus, higher and lower pleasures, and the theory's ability to resolve conflicts between individual and collective welfare.
Ethics in Religious Studies at CCEA A-Level explores the philosophical and theological foundations of moral decision-making. You will examine key ethical theories—such as Natural Law, Situation Ethics, and Utilitarianism—and apply them to contemporary issues like abortion, euthanasia, and war. The course also delves into the relationship between religion and morality, asking whether moral principles can exist without a divine foundation.
This topic is central to Religious Studies because it bridges abstract philosophy with real-world dilemmas. By studying ethics, you learn to construct reasoned arguments, evaluate competing viewpoints, and reflect on your own moral framework. It also connects with other A-Level topics, such as the problem of evil and the nature of God, as ethical questions often arise from theological debates.
Mastering ethics requires critical thinking and precise use of terminology. You will need to memorise key scholars (e.g., Aquinas, Fletcher, Bentham) and their arguments, while also being able to critique them. The CCEA exam expects you to apply theories to specific scenarios, so practice with past paper questions is essential.
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