Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies SQA

This subject is broken down into 120 topics in 15 modules:

  1. Morality and belief: Conflict 9 topics
  2. Morality and belief: Environment and global issues 9 topics
  3. Morality and belief: Justice 9 topics
  4. Morality and belief: Medicine and the human body 9 topics
  5. Morality and belief: Relationships 10 topics
  6. Religious and philosophical questions: Existence of God 7 topics
  7. Religious and philosophical questions: Miracles 7 topics
  8. Religious and philosophical questions: Origins 7 topics
  9. Religious and philosophical questions: Suffering and evil 7 topics
  10. Word Religion: Hinduism 8 topics
  11. Word Religion: Islam 7 topics
  12. Word Religion: Judaism 8 topics
  13. Word Religion: Sikhism 9 topics
  14. World Religion: Buddhism 7 topics
  15. World Religion: Christianity 7 topics
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  • 15
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  • 120
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  • 43,482
    words of revision content
  • 5+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies

Morality and belief: Conflict

Conflict: types of war

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Conflict: types of war

Types of War

  • Total War: This refers to military conflicts where nations mobilise all available resources in order to destroy their enemy's ability to engage in war. In this type of war, the laws of war are frequently disregarded.
  • Limited War: This involves a military conflict where the resources used and objectives pursued are restricted in some way. The aim is usually less than total defeat of the enemy.
  • Civil War: This is a war between citizens of the same country, often involve a struggle for control of government or territorial boundaries.
  • Guerilla Warfare: This is war fought by irregulars, often against an invading or occupying military force. It typically involves hit-and-run tactics, sabotage, and other strategies which maximise the effects of limited resources.
  • Proxy War: This is a conflict where third parties fight on behalf of more powerful parties.
  • Religious Conflict: This is a war which arises primarily out of religious disagreements. These may involve disagreements over the interpretation of religious doctrine, or conflict between followers of different religions.
  • Ethnic War: This type of war typically stems from racial, tribal, or ethnic discord.

Causes of War

  • Issues of Power and Territory: Control over resources, strategic locations and power dynamics often foment war.
  • Religion and Ideology: Wars have been sparked by differences in religious beliefs or political ideologies.
  • Economic Causes: Economic issues, such as trade disputes or competition for resources, can lead to war.
  • Nationalism and Ethnic Differences: Feelings of ethnic superiority or the desire for sovereignty can contribute to war.

Just War Theory

The Just War theory is an ethical guide for the conduct of war. According to this theory:

  • Jus Ad Bellum: A war is just if it is fought for a just cause and as a last resort, among other things.
  • Jus In Bello: This principle governs how war is conducted, considering factors such as the use of proportionate force and the protection of non-combatants.
  • Jus Post Bellum: This refers to the justice of war termination and peacemaking efforts.

Religion and War

Different religions view war and conflict in different ways:

  • Christianity: Many follow the Just War theory, but there are also pacifistic denominations like the Quakers.
  • Islam: Traditionally, war is seen as a last resort and must adhere to certain ethical rules.
  • Buddhism: Generally promotes peace and non-violence, but acknowledges the complexity of human society and accepts war may sometimes be necessary.
  • Judaism: Does not rule out war entirely but has strict rules for its conduct, similar to the Just War theory.

Course material for Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, module Morality and belief: Conflict, topic Conflict: types of war

Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies

Religious and philosophical questions: Origins

Religious explanations of Origins of universe and life

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Religious explanations of Origins of universe and life

Strengths of Religious Explanations of Origins

  • Holistic Approach: Religious explanations can offer a more complete understanding of origins by addressing not just the 'how' but the 'why' of existence. They provide explanations for the purpose and meaning of life, which is often lacking in purely scientific narratives.

  • Community Cohesion: Sharing a belief system about the origin of the universe and life often strengthens community bonds. It gives a group of people a shared origin story and a set of common values, which can foster social cohesion.

  • Moral Guidance: Many religious narratives contain teachings that guide followers in how they should live their life. This offers an ethical framework derived from the story of origins, providing what some see as a necessary guidance for human action.

  • Consistency with human experience: For many people, religious explanations of origins resonate with their personal experiences and inner life significance. This may not be quantifiable, but nonetheless, it is deeply significant to numerous individuals.

Weaknesses of Religious Explanations of Origins

  • Lack of empirical evidence: Unlike scientific perspectives, religious explanations are usually not supported by empirical, physical evidence. They are based on faith and written scriptures, which makes them inherently unverifiable.

  • Interpretation and understanding: Religious explanations often depend upon the understanding and interpretation of ancient texts. Different interpretations can lead to different conclusions, leading to a lack of uniformity or agreement.

  • Possibility of mythology: For skeptics, religious explanations are seen merely as mythologies created by ancient men to explain phenomena that they did not understand. As societies have developed a greater understanding of the universe through science, many see these explanations as less credible.

  • Conflict with scientific findings: Some aspects of religious explanations (such as a literal interpretation of the Creation story in Christianity) are in direct conflict with scientific explanations. This conflict can make it difficult for some people to accept religious explanations.

Course material for Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, module Religious and philosophical questions: Origins, topic Religious explanations of Origins of universe and life

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