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Ethics and Philosophy of Religion Flashcards
Free A Level Religious Studies Revision Cards
Cover the major ethical theories — Natural Law, Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and Situation Ethics — plus philosophical arguments for God's existence with these free A Level Religious Studies flashcards.
Question
What is Natural Law and who developed it?
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Answer
Thomas Aquinas: humans can discover moral truths through reason by observing nature. Our natural purpose (telos) guides right action. The primary precepts (preserve life, reproduce, educate, live in society, worship God) are universal.
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Question
What is Utilitarianism?
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Answer
An ethical theory that the right action is whatever produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Consequentialist — judges actions by their outcomes, not intrinsic rightness.
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Question
What is the difference between Bentham's and Mill's Utilitarianism?
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Answer
Bentham (act utilitarianism): calculate pleasure/pain for each act using the hedonic calculus. Mill (rule utilitarianism): follow rules that generally promote happiness; also distinguished higher and lower pleasures.
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Question
What is Kant's Categorical Imperative?
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Answer
Act only according to a maxim you could universalise (apply to everyone). Treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as means. A deontological theory — duty-based, not outcome-based.
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Question
What is Situation Ethics and who developed it?
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Answer
Joseph Fletcher (1966): the only moral absolute is love (agape). The right action is whatever is the most loving thing to do in any situation. Opposes rigid rules; is a flexible, Christian-based theory.
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Question
What is Divine Command Theory?
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Answer
An action is morally right if and only if God commands it. Morality is grounded in God's will. Challenged by the Euthyphro Dilemma: is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good?
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Question
What is Virtue Ethics and who developed it?
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Answer
Aristotle: focus on developing virtuous character traits (courage, honesty, justice) rather than following rules. The goal is eudaimonia (flourishing/happiness) achieved through the "golden mean" — balance between extremes.
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Question
What is the Sanctity of Life?
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Answer
The belief that all human life is sacred and has intrinsic value because humans are made in God's image (Imago Dei). Used to oppose abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment in religious ethics.
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Question
What are the main ethical arguments about abortion?
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Answer
Pro-life: life begins at conception, sanctity of life, potential personhood. Pro-choice: woman's autonomy, quality of life, situational factors (rape, disability). Utilitarians and Situation Ethicists may support abortion in some cases.
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Question
What is euthanasia and what are the different types?
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Answer
Intentionally ending life to relieve suffering. Voluntary (patient chooses), non-voluntary (patient cannot decide), involuntary (against wishes). Active (deliberate action) vs passive (withdrawing treatment).
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