A Level Religious Studies CCEA

This subject is broken down into 72 topics in 16 modules:

  1. Global Ethics 4 topics
  2. Introduction to Islam 5 topics
  3. Introduction to the Acts of Apostles 5 topics
  4. Introduction to The Gospel of Luke 5 topics
  5. Introduction to Themes in the Old Testament 5 topics
  6. Islam in a Contemporary Context 4 topics
  7. Philosophy of Religion (AS) 5 topics
  8. Religion and Ethics (AS) 5 topics
  9. The Celtic Church in Ireland in the 5th, 6th and 7th Centuries 5 topics
  10. Themes in Selected Letters of St Paul 4 topics
  11. Themes in the Celtic Church, Reformation and Post-Reformation Church 4 topics
  12. Themes in the Early Church and the Church Today 4 topics
  13. Themes in the Old Testament 4 topics
  14. Themes in the Philosophy of Religion 4 topics
  15. Themes in the Synoptic Gospels 4 topics
  16. The Origins and Development of the Early Christian Church to ad325 5 topics
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  • 16
    modules
  • 72
    topics
  • 27,371
    words of revision content
  • 3+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Religious Studies

Global Ethics

Moral Theory

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Moral Theory

Moral Theory Overview

  • Moral theory deals with the principles, judgements and attitudes that people use to decide what is right or wrong behaviour.
  • It also scrutinises how these principles should guide human decision-making and conduct.

Types of Moral Theory

Deontological Ethics

  • Deontological ethics holds that the morality of an action is determined by its adherence to rules or duties.
  • The famous philosopher Immanuel Kant developed a form of deontological moral theory, known as Kantianism, which proposes that right action is determined by a rational obligation, or 'categorical imperative'.

Consequential Ethics

  • Consequential ethics (also known as consequentialism) concludes that the correct course of action is the one that produces the best overall consequences.
  • A well-known type is utilitarianism, put forward by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. They argued that the best action is the one that maximises utility, or the overall 'happiness' quotient.

Virtue Ethics

  • Virtue ethics emphasises the role of character and virtues in moral philosophy, rather than either doing one's duty or acting to bring about good consequences.
  • Virtue ethics focuses more on 'being' rather than 'doing'. It highlights the idea that cultivating moral virtues will empower people to make the right decisions.
  • Examples of virtues include justice, courage, generosity, and prudence.

Applying Moral Theory to Global Ethics

  • These moral theories can be applied to complex global issues such as climate change, poverty, war and terrorism, human rights, animal rights and globalization.
  • For example, a deontologist may approach the issue of climate change by emphasizing the duty of individuals and societies to adhere to environmental regulations, regardless of their consequences.
  • A consequentialist, on the other hand, may stress on the importance of actions which lead to the best environmental outcomes, such as reduction in global temperature averages.
  • A virtue ethicist may highlight the importance of cultivating virtues such as respect for the natural world and intergenerational justice to tackle environmental issues.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Global Ethics, topic Moral Theory

Religious Studies

Religion and Ethics (AS)

Developments in Bioethics

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Developments in Bioethics

Overview of Bioethics

  • Bioethics is a field of study that deals with the ethical implications of certain developments in biology and medicine.
  • It encompasses a wide range of topics, including genetic engineering, assisted reproductive technologies, and end-of-life care.
  • Bioethical discussions often involve conflicting interests and perspectives, such as individual rights versus social or religious beliefs.

Genetic Engineering

  • Genetic Engineering involves modifying an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics. This can include creating disease-resistant crops or designing babies with specific traits.
  • Proponents argue that it holds the potential to improve human health and resilience. Detractors, however, worry about 'playing God', potential for misuse, and disrupting natural order.
  • Ethical dilemmas arise over issues like designer babies, genetic discrimination and privacy issues.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

  • Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) help individuals and couples to conceive. They encompass a range of procedures, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), surrogacy, and egg or sperm donation.
  • ARTs raise ethical considerations including the commodification of human life, the right to parenthood versus child welfare, and the implications of multiple births or selective reduction.

Stem Cell Research

  • Stem cell research involves the use of undifferentiated cells that can become any type of cell in the body. These cells have potential for therapies to treat diseases.
  • The major point of ethical contention is the use of embryonic stem cells, which often involves the destruction of embryos. Some argue this infringes upon the sanctity of human life.
  • Ethical discussion in the context of other stem cell types, such as adult or induced pluripotent stem cells, revolves around issues of consent and potential long-term effects.

End-Of-Life Care

  • End-of-life care encompasses the treatment decisions made in a person's final days, including the use of euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide.
  • Euthanasia can be voluntary (with patient's consent) or non-voluntary (without patient's consent—often when the patient is incapable of giving consent).
  • Ethical dilemmas include quality versus quantity of life, the principle of double effect, and the sanctity of life versus autonomy arguments.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Bioethical Positions

  • Strengths: Bioethical positions give guidance on navigating complex medical and biological developments. They provide a framework to address potential implications on human life, society, and environment.
  • Weaknesses: Bioethical positions, especially those based on religious or cultural perspectives, can be seen as rigid and unresponsive to evolving scientific understanding. Moreover, differing interpretations of same ethical values can lead to conflicting views.
  • The emotionally charged nature of these discussions often makes them contentious and difficult to resolve.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Religion and Ethics (AS), topic Developments in Bioethics

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