AS and A2 level possible OCR questions 2014

Here are some thoughts about the exam questions/areas that might come up this year. Of course, this is only guesswork and I wouldn't make it the entire basis of a revision strategy!! PB

AS Ethics

1 a Explain what is meant by “moral relativism”. b “Relativism is the best approach to issues surrounding genetic engineering”. Discuss

2 a Explain the main principles of Natural Law approach to ethics. b Natural law is the best approach to issues surrounding the right to a child (or issues surrounding abortion)”. Discuss

3 a Explain how the concepts of sanctity of life and quality of life apply to issues surrounding abortion. b “Only utilitarian ethics satisfactorily accounts for quality of life issues”. Discuss

4 a Explain how a Religion of your choice approaches issues surrounding going to War. b “A Just War is impossible”. Discuss

5 a “Explain what is meant by “deontological ethics”. b “Deontological ethics is inflexible” Discuss

6 a Explain the main differences between a teleological and deontological approach to ethics.

     b “Teleological ethics is of more practical use than deontological ethics” Discuss.

7 a Explain how the princiles of sancitiy fo lfie and quality fo lfie can be applied to abortion.

b "Only utilitarian ethics is useful in assessing the issues surrounding abortion". Discuss

AS Philosophy of Religion

1.a. Explain Aquinas’ first, second and third ways to proving God’s existence.

b. To what extent are Hume’s challenges to causation successful in critiquing the cosmological argument?

2. a. Explain what Aristotle meant by the Final Cause.

b. “Aristotle’s theory of knowledge is more believable than Plato’s.” Discuss.

3. a. Explain why some scientists do not believe that God created the universe.

b. Evaluate the claim that the Bible tells us nothing about the creation of the universe.

4. a. Explain what it means to call God creator ‘Ex Nihilo’.

b. “God is more designer than creator.” Discuss.

A2 Questions

1. Evaluate Freud’s view that conscience is a product of our upbringing.

2. “Businesses have no ethics because they have no conscience”. Discuss

3. Which ethical theory you have studied has the best approach to issues surrounding contraception?

4. “Virtue ethics is of no practical use in solving moral problems”. Discuss

5. “Only a strong virtue ethic can protect the environment”. Discuss

A2 Philosophy of Religion

1. “Religious Experiences are self-authenticating”. Discuss.

2. “Monism is more believable than dualism.” Discuss.

3. Assess the claim that miracles are just coincidences and not divine.

4. To what extent are A.J. Ayer’s criticisms of religious language successful?

Notes regarding A2 P of R (above)

1.       This will expect students to look at authenticity of experiences through Swinburne as well as Schleiermacher etc.

2.       This will expect students to look at Plato and Aristotle primarily but will allow them to explore others.

3.       This will focus on Holland and contrast it with both Hume and interpretations of miracles as ‘real’.

4.       This will focus on Verificationism but allow students to challenge Ayer with other theories/perspectives.