AS Philosophy of ReligionPast Exam Questions

January 20111a Explain the main differences between Act and Rule Utilitarianism.1b To what extent is Utilitarianism a useful method of making decisions about euthanasia?2a Explain Kant’s argument for using the Categorical Imperative.2b ‘The universalisation of maxims by Kant cannot be defended.’ Discuss.3a Explain how a moral relativist might approach the issues raised by abortion.3b ‘A relativist approach to the issues raised by abortion leads to wrong moral choices.’ Discuss.4a Explain how the followers of the ethics of the religion you have studied make ethical decisions.4b ‘Morality and religion are separate.’ Discuss.

June 20101a Explain the difference between absolute and relative morality.1b ‘Relativist theories give no convincing reason why people should be good.’ Discuss.2a Explain the main strengths of Mill’s Utilitairianism.2b ‘Utilitarianism can lead to wrong moral decisions.’ Discuss.3a Explain how a follower of Kantian ethics might approach issues surrounding the right to a child.3b ’The right to a child is an absolute right.’ Discuss.4a Explain the ethical principles of the religion you have studied in relation to war.4b ‘War should not be allowed even as a last resort.’ Discuss.

January 20101a Explain what is meant by moral absolutism1b ‘Moral absolutism cannot be justified.’ Discuss.2a Explain how Utilitarians approach the issues of war.2b ‘Pacifism causes more harm than good.’ Discuss.3a Explain the strengths of natural Law theory.3b To what extent could a follower of Natural Law accept embryo research?4a Explain how the ethics of the religion you have studied might be applied to abortion.4b ‘Religious ethics fails to consider consequences.’ Discuss.

June 20091a Explain the concept of relativist morality.1b ‘Relativist ethics are unfair.’ Discuss.2a Explain how a follower of Natural Law might respond to issues raised by genetic engineering.2b ‘Genetic engineering is ethically justified.’ Discuss.3a Explain why a follower of religious ethics might object to euthanasia.3b ‘Human dignity does not matter to a follower of religious ethics.’ Discuss.4a Explain the strengths of Kant’s theory of ethics.4b ‘Kant’s theory of ethics is not a useful approach to abortion.’ Discuss.