AS Ethics Exam Questions

Page 1

Ethical Theories, Key Terms and Terminology:

Part A:

Explain the concept of relativist morality. (25 marks)

Explain what is meant by moral absolutism. (25 marks)

Explain the differences between absolute and relativist morality. (25 marks)

Explain the difference between deontological and teleological theories. (25 marks)

Explain the concept of absolute morality. (25 marks)

Part B:

'Relativist ethics are unfair.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Moral absolutism cannot be justified.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Relativist theories give no convincing reason to be good.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'The end never justifies the means.' (10 marks)

'Considering the consequences is more important than following rules.' (10 marks)

Page 2

Ethical Theories: Natural Law:

Part A:

Explain the strengths of the Natural Law theory. (25 marks)

Explain Natural Law theory. (25 marks)

Explain how Natural Law theory can be used to decide the right action. (25 marks)

Part B:

'Natural Law has no serious weaknesses.' Discuss. (10 marks)

To what extent is Natural Law the best approach to moral decision making? (10 marks)

Page 3

Ethical Theories: Kantian Ethics

Part A:

Explain, with examples, Kant's theory of the Categorical Imperative. (25 marks)

Explain Kant's theory of duty. (25 marks)

Explain the strengths of Kant's theory of ethics. (25 marks)

Explain Kant's argument for using the categorical imperative. (25 marks)

Explain the differences between the Hypothetical and the Categorical imperatives. (25 marks)

Explain, with examples, the importance kant placed upon doing one's duty. (25 marks)

Part B:

'Kant's theory has no serious weaknesses.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Kant's theory has no significant weaknesses.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'The universalisation of maxims by Kant cannot be defended.' Discuss. (10 marks)

To what extent is doing one's duty the most important part of ethics? (10 marks)

Page 4

Ethical Theories: Utilitarianism

Part A:

Explain the Preference Utilitarianism of Peter Singer. (25 marks)

Explain how Bentham's version of utilitarianism can be used to decide on the right course of action. (25 marks)

Explain the main strengths of Mill's Utilitarianism. (25 marks)

Explain the main strengths of a Utilitarian system of ethics. (25 marks)

What are the main differences between Act and Rule Utilitarianism? (25 marks)

Explain the main differences between the Utilitarianism of Bentham and Mill. (25 marks)

Explain the main differences between the utilitarianism of Bentham and that of Mill. (25 marks)

Explain how Mill's utilitarianism might be used to decide the right course of action. (25 marks)

Explain the main principle of the classical forms of utilitarianism. (25 marks)

Part B:

To what extent is Preference Utilitarianism the best form of Utilitarianism? (10 marks)

'Utilitarianism can lead to wrong decisions.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Mill's Utilitarianism is in every way superior to Bentham's.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Utilitarianism is not a good guide for resolving ethical dilemmas.' Discuss. (10 marks)

Page 5

Ethical Theories: Religious Ethics/Divine Command Theory

Part A:

Explain the ethical teachings of the religion you have studied. (25 marks)

Explain how followers of the ethics of the religion you have studied make ethical decisions. (25 marks)

Part B:

'Some religious ethics are too rigid for moral decision making.' Discuss. (10 marks)

''Human dignity does not matter to a follower of religious ethics.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Religious ethics fail to consider consequences.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Morality and religion separate.' (10 marks)

Page 6

Applied Ethics: Abortion/The Right to a Child:

Part A:

Explain how a follower of Natural Law might approach the issues surrounding abortion. (25 marks)

Explain how a moral relativist might approach issues raised by abortion. (25 marks)

Explain how a follower of natural law might respond to human embryo research. (25 marks)

Explain how a follower of Kantian ethics might approach the issues surrounding the right to a child. (25 marks)

Explain how the followers of the ethics of a religion you have studied might be applied to abortion. (25 marks)

Explain how a follower of the religion you have studied might approach the issues of infertility. (25 marks)

Explain how a belief in the Sanctity of Life influence ethical approaches to abortion. (25 marks)

Explain how the concepts of personhood might influence ethical approaches to abortion. (25 marks)

Explain the moral issues surrounding the right to a child. (25 marks)

Part B:

'A relativist approach to the issues raised by abortion leads to wrong moral choices.' Discuss. (10 marks)

To what extent could a follower of natural law accept embryo research? (10 marks)

To what extent can human embryo research be justified? (10 marks)

'Kant's theory of ethics is not a useful approach to abortion.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'The right to a child is an absolute right.' Discuss. (10 marks)

How useful is Kant's theory when considering embryo research? (10 marks)

Assess the extent to which utilitarianism is a reliable method of making decisions about abortion. (10 marks)

'The right to a child is not an absolute right.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'A foetus is not a person.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'The right to life is the most important issue when considering abortion.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'A child is a gift, not right.' Discuss. (10 marks)

Page 7

Applied Ethics: Euthanasia:

Part A:

Explain why a follower of religious ethics might object to euthanasia. (25 marks)

Explain the moral issues surrounding euthanasia. (25 marks)

Explain how the concept of 'quality of life' might be applied to euthanasia. (25 marks)

Part B:

To what extent is Utilitarianism a useful method for making moral decisions about euthanasia? (10 marks)

'Utilitarianism is the best approach to euthanasia.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Quality of life is the most important factor when considering issues surrounding euthanasia.' Discuss. (10 marks)

The 'sanctity of life' is the most important issue when considering euthanasia.' Discuss. (10 marks)

Page 8

Applied Ethics: Genetic Engineering:

Part A:

Explain how a follower of Natural Law might respond to issues raised by genetic engineering. (25 marks)

Explain the main ethical principles of the religion you have studied with regard to genetic engineering. (25 marks)

Part B:

"Genetic engineering is ethically justified." Discuss. (10 marks)

'Religious ethics prevents progress in genetic engineering.' (10 marks)

Page 9

Applied Ethics: War and Peace:

Part A:

Explain how Utilitarianism approaches the issues of war. (25 marks)

Explain the ethical principles of a religion you have studied in relation to war. (25 marks)

Explain how the followers of a religion you have studied justify going to war. (25 marks)

Explain the theories of ethical and religious pacifism. (25 marks)

Explain the purpose and principles of the Just War theory. (25 marks)

Part B:

"Pacifism causes more harm than good." Discuss. (10 marks)

'War should not be allowed even as a last resort.' Discuss. (10 marks)

'Religious believers should be pacifist.' Discuss. (10 marks)

Assess the claim that killing in war is more justifiable than other types of killing. (10 marks)

'Just War Theory cannot be applied to modern warfare.' Discuss. (10 marks)

Page 10

How to answer exam questions

Part A:

Ensure you know which theories are religious and which are secular (religious - Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Divine Command theory. Secular - Utilitarianism and Kant)

Ensure you know the difference between teleological and deontological theories, as you could get asked a question on how each type (not specific theories) approaches and ethical issue:

Deontological (focuses on the moral act) - Natural Law, Kant, Divine Command theory

Teleological (focuses on the consequences) - Utilitarianism and Situation ethics

If the question asks you to apply deontological or teleological theories, identify the theories, as this shows your knowledge and understanding. e.g) Explain how deontological theories approach abortion. (25 marks)

Some questions ask you to explain how an ethical theory is applied to an ethical issue. Remember to briefly explain how this type of theory works out what is right and wrong, then apply to several examples. e.g.) Explain how a follower of Natural Law would respond to genetic engineering. (25 marks)

Use keywords, especially in your introduction

Examiners love examples

Link back to the question: PEEL

DO NOT EVALUATE

Include a conclusion - summary of key facts/ideas included

Part B;

With a theory specific question, you can use other theories to show why it is good/bad. e.g.) Natural Law is of no help when considering abortion. (10 marks)

EVALUATE EVALUATE EVALUATE

Try to argue for, against, for, against and then conclude

Give both sides (answers that are one-sided are limited to no more than 6/10 marks)

Make regular links back to the question, making mini judgements. e.g.) This argument therefore shows that Utilitarianism is perhaps not the best approach to euthanasia.

Critically evaluate - evaluate the arguments put forward: e.g.) In response to the previous argument discussed, Peter Singer has suggested that we should not consider this. Instead... this is because.... This therefore shows that the previous problem can be overcome quite easily. Therefore... it is not the biggest problem when considering......

e.g.) However, a weakness of this strength is the following.......

Conclude - come to final judgement relating to the question and considering the arguments put forward.