Free will and determinism remain a popular choice for examiners, as the first paper in the new spec shows (see below). Past paper questions under the old spec will still be useful in assessing what kind of question delights the mind of the examiner.

June 2008

“We are free to make ethical decisions”. Discuss

June 2009

“Our freedom to make ethical choices is an illusion”.  Discuss

June 2010 (new spec)

Critically assess the claim that people are free to make moral decisions. (35) (G582 Q3)

Jan 2011

G582 Q3 “Our ethical decisions are the result of social conditioning”.  Discuss (35)

June 2011

G582 Q2 “Critically assess the view that we are not responsible for our evil actions”. (35)

Jan 2012

G582  Q2 Critically assess the claim that free will and determinism are compatible. (35)