Religion and ethics — OCR A-Level Religious Studies Revision

    This subtopic explores two normative ethical theories that take a religious approach to moral decision-making: Natural Law (Aquinas) and Situation Ethics (

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic explores two normative ethical theories that take a religious approach to moral decision-making: Natural Law (Aquinas) and Situation Ethics (Fletcher). It examines the foundational concepts, key terminology, and the application of these theories to moral decision-making.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Religion and ethics

    OCR
    A-Level

    This subtopic explores two normative ethical theories that take a religious approach to moral decision-making: Natural Law (Aquinas) and Situation Ethics (Fletcher). It examines the foundational concepts, key terminology, and the application of these theories to moral decision-making.

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    Objectives
    26
    Exam Tips
    23
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    34
    Mark Points

    Subtopics in this area

    Normative Ethical Theories: Religious Approaches
    Normative Ethical Theories
    Applied Ethics
    Ethical Language: Meta-ethics
    Significant Ideas
    Developments in Ethical Thought

    Topic Overview

    Religion and ethics is a core component of the OCR A-Level Religious Studies course, exploring the intersection between religious beliefs and moral philosophy. This topic examines how different religious traditions, particularly Christianity, approach ethical decision-making, and how these approaches compare with secular ethical theories. Students will study key ethical frameworks such as Natural Law, Situation Ethics, and Virtue Ethics, alongside religious perspectives on issues like abortion, euthanasia, and war. Understanding this topic is crucial for developing critical thinking skills and appreciating the diversity of moral reasoning in contemporary society.

    The significance of religion and ethics extends beyond the classroom, as it equips students with the tools to analyse real-world moral dilemmas from multiple perspectives. By engaging with thinkers like Aquinas, Fletcher, and Aristotle, students learn to evaluate arguments, identify strengths and weaknesses, and construct coherent ethical positions. This topic also encourages reflection on the role of religion in public life, including debates about law, human rights, and medical ethics. Mastery of this content is essential for achieving top marks in the OCR exam, particularly in the essay-based questions that require nuanced discussion and evaluation.

    Within the wider A-Level Religious Studies syllabus, religion and ethics connects with philosophy of religion and religious thought. For instance, ethical theories often draw on metaphysical assumptions about human nature and the divine, while religious teachings on morality are shaped by scriptural interpretation and tradition. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see the bigger picture, preparing them for university-level study in theology, philosophy, or related fields. Ultimately, this topic challenges students to think deeply about what it means to live a good life, both individually and collectively.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Natural Law: A deontological theory developed by Thomas Aquinas, based on the idea that moral principles are inherent in human nature and can be discovered through reason. It includes the primary precepts (e.g., preserve life, reproduce) and secondary precepts derived from them.
    • →Situation Ethics: A teleological theory proposed by Joseph Fletcher, which argues that love (agape) is the only absolute moral principle. Decisions should be made situationally, using the four working principles (pragmatism, relativism, positivism, personalism) and six propositions.
    • →Virtue Ethics: An agent-centred theory originating from Aristotle, focusing on character and virtues (e.g., courage, temperance) rather than rules or consequences. The goal is eudaimonia (flourishing), achieved through practising the golden mean.
    • →The relationship between religion and morality: Debates whether morality depends on God (divine command theory) or can be autonomous. Key thinkers include Plato (Euthyphro dilemma) and Kant (autonomous ethics).
    • →Applied ethics: The application of ethical theories to specific issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and war. Students must evaluate religious and secular perspectives, considering principles like sanctity of life and quality of life.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Understanding of Aquinas' Natural Law, including telos, the four tiers of law (Eternal, Divine, Natural, Human), and the precepts (key precept and five primary precepts).
    • Understanding of Fletcher's Situation Ethics, including the role of agape as the only absolute.
    • Ability to apply these theories to moral decision-making.
    • Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of Natural Law and Situation Ethics.
    • Use of scholarly views, academic approaches, and sources of wisdom and authority to support arguments.
    • Accurate explanation of the four normative ethical theories (Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism)
    • Application of these theories to euthanasia and business ethics
    • Understanding of meta-ethical theories (naturalism, intuitionism, emotivism)

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Understanding of Aquinas' Natural Law, including telos, the four tiers of law (Eternal, Divine, Natural, Human), and the precepts (key precept and five primary precepts).
    • Understanding of Fletcher's Situation Ethics, including the role of agape as the only absolute.
    • Ability to apply these theories to moral decision-making.
    • Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of Natural Law and Situation Ethics.
    • Use of scholarly views, academic approaches, and sources of wisdom and authority to support arguments.
    • Accurate explanation of the four normative ethical theories (Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism)
    • Application of these theories to euthanasia and business ethics
    • Understanding of meta-ethical theories (naturalism, intuitionism, emotivism)
    • Comparison of Aquinas and Freud on conscience
    • Analysis of sexual ethics (pre/extra-marital sex, homosexuality) in relation to religious beliefs and normative theories
    • Use of scholarly views, academic approaches, and sources of wisdom and authority
    • Accurate application of normative ethical theories to euthanasia and business ethics
    • Clear comparison of Aquinas and Freud on the nature and origin of conscience
    • Understanding of meta-ethical theories (naturalism, intuitionism, emotivism)
    • Analysis of sexual ethics in the context of religious and secular developments
    • Use of scholarly views and sources of wisdom to support arguments
    • Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of ethical theories in practical application
    • Understanding of naturalism as the belief that values can be defined in terms of natural properties and its application to absolutism.
    • Understanding of intuitionism as the belief that basic moral truths are indefinable but self-evident and its application to the term 'good'.
    • Understanding of emotivism as the belief that ethical terms evince approval or disapproval and its application to relativism.
    • Ability to discuss whether 'good' is the defining question in ethics.
    • Ability to discuss whether ethical terms have an objective factual basis or reflect only the mind of the user.
    • Ability to discuss whether ethical terms are meaningful or meaningless.
    • Ability to discuss whether people intuitively know what is good, bad, right, and wrong.
    • Detailed knowledge of Aquinas' theological approach to conscience (ratio, synderesis, conscientia, vincible and invincible ignorance).
    • Detailed knowledge of Freud's psychological approach to conscience (psychosexual development, id, ego, super-ego).
    • Ability to compare and contrast the two approaches, particularly regarding the role of God, the concept of guilt, and the relationship between conscience and reason/the unconscious.
    • Evaluation of whether conscience is a distinct faculty or an umbrella term for other factors (culture, environment, genetics).
    • Use of scholarly views and academic approaches to support arguments.
    • Application of normative ethical theories (Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism) to sexual ethics.
    • Analysis of the influence of religious beliefs and practices on sexual ethics.
    • Evaluation of the impact of secularism on sexual ethics.
    • Discussion of the morality, legality, and tolerability of premarital sex, extramarital sex, and homosexuality.
    • Use of scholarly views, academic approaches, and sources of wisdom and authority to support arguments.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Ensure clear distinction between deontological and teleological approaches.
    • 💡Use key technical terms (agape, conscientia, ratio, synderesis, telos) accurately.
    • 💡When evaluating, consider whether the theories provide a helpful method for moral decision-making.
    • 💡Engage with the specific discussion points listed in the specification for each theory.
    • 💡Refer to the suggested scholarly views and sources of wisdom and authority provided in the specification.
    • 💡Ensure clear distinction between the four normative theories
    • 💡Use technical terms (e.g., agape, conscientia, ratio, synderesis, telos) accurately
    • 💡Structure AO2 responses to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory
    • 💡Explicitly link ethical theories to the contemporary issues of euthanasia and business ethics
    • 💡When discussing conscience, focus on the comparison between Aquinas and Freud rather than just describing them separately
    • 💡Ensure you can explicitly link the four normative theories to the specific issues of euthanasia and business ethics
    • 💡When discussing conscience, focus on the contrast between Aquinas's theological/rational approach and Freud's psychological/unconscious approach
    • 💡Use the provided technical terms (agape, conscientia, ratio, synderesis, telos) accurately in your responses
    • 💡Structure AO2 evaluations by weighing the strengths and weaknesses of theories against each other rather than just listing them
    • 💡Refer to the specific scholarly views suggested in the specification to gain credit for academic approaches
    • 💡Ensure you can clearly distinguish between cognitive and non-cognitive approaches to ethical language.
    • 💡Be prepared to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of naturalism, intuitionism, and emotivism.
    • 💡Use scholarly views to support your analysis of meta-ethical theories.
    • 💡Ensure you can clearly define the key technical terms: ratio, synderesis, conscientia, id, ego, and super-ego.
    • 💡When evaluating, focus on the debate regarding whether conscience is linked to reason (Aquinas) or the unconscious mind (Freud).
    • 💡Use the suggested scholarly views (e.g., Fromm) to add depth to your evaluation.
    • 💡Structure your essay to directly address the comparison between the two thinkers rather than just describing them separately.
    • 💡Ensure you can clearly explain how each of the four normative theories (Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism) would approach sexual ethics.
    • 💡Use specific examples of religious figures or institutions to illustrate how religious beliefs have influenced debates.
    • 💡Structure your evaluation to consider both religious and secular perspectives.
    • 💡Refer to the suggested scholarly views or other appropriate academic sources to strengthen your analysis.
    • 💡Always define key terms and theories clearly in your essays. For example, when discussing Natural Law, explain the primary precepts and the doctrine of double effect. This shows the examiner you have precise knowledge.
    • 💡Use specific examples to illustrate your points. For instance, when evaluating Situation Ethics, refer to real-life cases like the 'sacrificial adulterer' or 'lying to save lives'. This demonstrates application and critical thinking.
    • 💡Structure your essays with balanced arguments. For each theory, present strengths and weaknesses, and compare them with alternative views. Aim for a clear conclusion that answers the question directly, showing your own reasoned judgement.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the four tiers of law in Aquinas' Natural Law.
    • Misunderstanding the role of agape in Situation Ethics as being purely secular or purely religious without nuance.
    • Failing to apply the theories to specific moral issues or decision-making scenarios.
    • Over-reliance on description (AO1) rather than analysis and evaluation (AO2).
    • Misinterpreting the doctrine of double effect.
    • Confusing deontological and teleological approaches
    • Misapplying the doctrine of double effect in Natural Law
    • Failing to distinguish between act and rule utilitarianism
    • Confusing Aquinas's theological approach to conscience with Freud's psychological approach
    • Treating sexual ethics as purely secular without considering religious influence
    • Confusing the different formulations of Kant's Categorical Imperative
    • Failing to distinguish between the logical and evidential aspects of the problem of evil (though this is primarily a Philosophy topic, it often overlaps in student responses)
    • Misapplying the Doctrine of Double Effect in Natural Law
    • Treating conscience as a single, universally agreed-upon concept rather than comparing the distinct approaches of Aquinas and Freud
    • Over-simplifying meta-ethical theories without reference to their implications for moral truth
    • Confusing Aquinas' terms (ratio, synderesis, conscientia) or misapplying them.
    • Misunderstanding Freud's tripartite structure (id, ego, super-ego) or failing to link them to moral development.
    • Failing to provide a balanced comparison between the two scholars.
    • Treating the topic in isolation rather than engaging with the broader ethical debate about the nature of conscience.
    • Failing to apply the four normative ethical theories studied in the previous section to the specific issues of sexual ethics.
    • Ignoring the influence of secularism on changing attitudes toward sexual ethics.
    • Treating sexual ethics as purely a matter of personal opinion rather than engaging with religious and ethical frameworks.
    • Failing to distinguish between the morality, legality, and tolerability of sexual practices.
    • Misconception: Natural Law is purely religious and cannot be understood without faith. Correction: While Aquinas was a Christian theologian, Natural Law is based on reason and is accessible to all humans, regardless of belief. It uses empirical observation of human nature to derive moral rules.
    • Misconception: Situation Ethics is the same as moral relativism. Correction: Situation Ethics is not relativism because it has an absolute principle (agape). It is a teleological theory that applies love situationally, but love itself is unchanging.
    • Misconception: Virtue Ethics is only about individual character and ignores actions. Correction: Virtue Ethics does focus on character, but it also guides actions by asking what a virtuous person would do. It provides a framework for moral decision-making, not just self-improvement.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •A basic understanding of ethical terminology (e.g., deontological, teleological, absolutism, relativism) is helpful before studying specific theories.
    • •Familiarity with key religious concepts, such as the sanctity of life and the imago Dei, will aid in understanding religious perspectives on applied ethics.
    • •Some knowledge of philosophical arguments about God's existence (e.g., from the Philosophy of Religion component) can enrich discussions on divine command theory.

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Analyze
    Examine
    To what extent
    Analyse
    Compare
    Explain
    Assess

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