amazon.co.ukRS1: Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology
Ontological and Cosmological arguments, problem of evil (Augustine vs Irenaeus/Hick), Natural Law, Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics.
📋 Key Definitions and Core Concepts
Teleological Argument: Argument for God's existence based on evidence of design, purpose, and order in the universe (Paley's Watchmaker).
Categorical Imperative: Kant's deontological moral command: act only according to maxims you can universalise as universal law.
🔍 Key Principles & Specification Requirements
- Arguments for God: Anselm's Ontological (God is that than which nothing greater can be conceived), Aquinas' 5 Ways (Motion, Cause, Contingency).
- Problem of Evil: Logical (Mackie's inconsistent triad) vs Evidential (Rowe/Paul). Theodicies: Augustinian (privation of good) vs Irenaean (soul-making).
- Ethical theories: Deontological (Kant, Aquinas Natural Law) vs Teleological/Consequentialist (Bentham Act Utilitarianism, Mill Rule Utilitarianism).
💡 Worked Example Question
Exam-Style Question
Question:
Critically assess whether the Irenaean/Hick soul-making theodicy successfully resolves the problem of evil.
Model Solution & Mark Scheme:
Hick argues the world was created imperfect ('epistemic distance') as an environment for moral and spiritual maturation ('soul-making'). This accounts for natural hazards as challenging stimuli. Critiques: It fails to justify excessive, disproportionate suffering (e.g. child suffering, Holocaust) and relies on universal salvation (escatological justification) which undermines human moral responsibility.
❓ Practice Questions & Mark Schemes
Q1: Explain the significance of Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology in A-Level examination contexts.
Show Model Answer
Answer: Demonstrate clear conceptual understanding of Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology, defining core terminology and citing relevant principles or case examples.
Q2: Evaluate key arguments or methodologies concerning Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology.
Show Model Answer
Answer: Contrast competing perspectives, discuss empirical evidence or theoretical limitations, and synthesize a balanced, well-reasoned conclusion.
🎬 Video Resources
- Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology - Overview -- YouTube Search
- Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology - Exam Questions -- YouTube Search
📄 Past Papers & Exam Resources
- AQA A-Level - Past Papers -- AQA
- Edexcel A-Level - Past Papers -- Edexcel
- OCR A-Level - Past Papers -- OCR
🔗 Further Reading & Resources
- Physics & Maths Tutor -- Free notes, worksheets, and past paper questions by topic
- Dr Frost Maths -- Free resources, slides, and interactive questions
- BBC Bitesize -- BBC Bitesize revision resources