How to Revise Human rights — AQA GCSE Religious Studies
This study component examines the intersection of theological anthropology and international jurisprudence. It evaluates the extent to which religious concepts of inherent dignity, such as the Imago Dei in Judeo-Christian thought or Fitrah in Islam, provide a foundational or conflicting basis for the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Candidates must analyze the tension between religious absolute moralities and the secular, pluralistic requirements of modern democratic states, focusing on the evolution of rights from divine duties to individual entitlements.
Examiner Tips for Human rights
- Ensure you can clearly define the Three Marks of Existence and provide examples for each
- Use precise terminology when discussing the Five Aggregates
- Be prepared to compare and contrast Theravada and Mahayana views on the human personality and the ideal of the enlightened person
- Link the concept of Dhamma to the broader Buddhist path to Enlightenment
Common Mistakes in Human rights
- Confusing the Theravada concept of the Five Aggregates with Mahayana concepts like sunyata
- Failing to distinguish between the Arhat and Bodhisattva ideals
- Misinterpreting the Three Marks of Existence as separate concepts rather than interconnected aspects of reality
- Overlooking the specific differences between Theravada and Mahayana perspectives on human personality and destiny
Key Marking Points
- Definition and understanding of the concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
- Explanation of dependent arising (paticcasamupada)
- Identification and explanation of the Three Marks of Existence: anicca, anatta, and dukkha
- Comparison of the human personality in Theravada (Five Aggregates) and Mahayana (sunyata, Buddha-nature) traditions
- Distinction between human destiny ideals: Arhat vs Bodhisattva
- Understanding of Buddhahood and the Pure Land