A Level Religious Studies Edexcel

This subject is broken down into 104 topics in 21 modules:

  1. Application of Ethical Theories 2 topics
  2. Deontology 2 topics
  3. Deontology Virtue Ethics & Scholars 2 topics
  4. Ethical Language 6 topics
  5. Ethical Theories 8 topics
  6. Influences of Developments in Religion 6 topics
  7. Medical Ethics Beginning & End 4 topics
  8. Nature & Influence of Religious Experience 2 topics
  9. Philosophical Issues & Questions 8 topics
  10. Practices That Shape & Express 7 topics
  11. Problems of Evil & Suffering 7 topics
  12. Religion & Society 9 topics
  13. Religious Beliefs Values & Teachings 8 topics
  14. Religious Beliefs, Values & Teachings 2 topics
  15. Religious Practices 2 topics
  16. Significant Concepts 4 topics
  17. Significant Concepts in Religion 2 topics
  18. Social & Historical Development 10 topics
  19. Sources of Wisdom & Authority 2 topics
  20. The Nature & Influence of Religion 6 topics
  21. Works of Scholars 5 topics
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  • 21
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  • 104
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  • 41,236
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  • 5+
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Religious Studies

Application of Ethical Theories

Sexual Ethics

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Sexual Ethics

Sexual Ethics within Various Ethical Theories

Utilitarianism

  • Utilitarianism addresses sexual ethics towards the principle of maximum utility. Actions are deemed ethical if they bring about the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

  • This perspective could justify sexual behaviours that are mutually enjoyable and consensual, providing they cause no harm.

  • However, the calculus nature of utilitarianism might lose sight of individual sexual rights and respect, focusing solely on quantitative happiness.

Kantian Ethics

  • In contrast, Kantian ethics places central importance on the principle of respect for persons and could condemn sexual behaviours that manipulate or objectify others.

  • For Kantians, sex outside of marriage may be unethical as it risks treating individuals as means to an end, and could undermine dignity and rationality.

  • While seemingly rigid, this ethical approach upholds the equal worth of all individuals within sexual relations and vehemently opposes exploitation.

Natural Law

  • Natural Law, primarily associated with St. Thomas Aquinas, would assess sexual ethics primarily in terms of natural fertility. The main purpose of sex, according to Natural Law theorists, is procreation.

  • Hence, this perspective could oppose non-procreative sexual practices, contraceptives, or same-sex relationships. Here, human reason aligns with the natural purpose.

  • However, this doctrine’s strict biological interpretation may be critiqued for its reductionist view of human sexuality and lack of consideration for emotional dimensions.

Situation Ethics

  • Situation Ethics contends that the most ethical action in any situation is the most loving one. This Agapic love (selfless love) is the primary guide for sexual ethics.

  • It may validate wide-ranging sexual behaviours, so long as they are guided by love and mutual respect, thus offering a relatively liberal stance on sexual ethics.

  • The ambiguity of situational ethics, however, could potentially justify a variety of behaviours, making it open to criticism for relative values.

Virtue Ethics

  • Virtue Ethics focuses on character traits that constitute a 'good' life. This perspective would encourage virtue in sexual behaviour, such as fidelity, honesty, and kindness.

  • Issues such as promiscuity, dishonesty, or coercion would be contrary to the virtuous life and therefore deemed unethical.

  • Virtue Ethics' personal character focus might eschew concrete rulings on sexual behaviours and instead encourages cultivation of virtues to guide ethical decisions.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Application of Ethical Theories, topic Sexual Ethics

Religious Studies

Problems of Evil & Suffering

Theodicy 3

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Theodicy 3

Overview of Free Will Defence

  • Suggested by Alvin Plantinga in the 20th century.
  • Proposes that evil arises from human free will, and God could not have created a world with free will and without the potential for evil.

Key Concepts

  • Argues that it is logically impossible for God to create a world where humans have true free will but always choose good.
  • Contends that moral evil is the result of human free will. To prevent it, God would have to interfere with human freedom.
  • Suggests that natural evil could be the result of non-human free agents (like demons). This contention, while controversial, offers a possible explanation for natural disasters and similar occurrences.

Criticisms

  • Critics argue it's possible for an omnipotent God to create free beings who always choose good.
  • Some contend that severe afflictions like childhood cancer can't be explained by human free will or non-human free agents.
  • Critics say it's unreasonable to blame natural disasters and other non-human caused tragedies on demonic free agents.

Defences

  • Defence argues that human freedom is essential to the development of virtues such as courage and generosity.
  • Alvin Plantinga maintains that it's conceivable that all creatures are corruptible and would eventually choose evil somehow.
  • The notion of 'soul-building' which suggests that experiencing evil and suffering can lead to the development of moral character.

Relevance Today

  • Free Will Defence is often used in modern debates about the problem of evil, especially in the context of human-inspired cruelty.
  • However, this defence struggles with the problem of natural evil, which can't be quickly tied to human or non-human free will.
  • Nonetheless, it is a significant feature in discussions around moral responsibility and the role of deity in shaping human fate.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Problems of Evil & Suffering, topic Theodicy 3

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