A Level Religious Studies Teachers: Ms Cogan and Mrs Harlow

Course overview (OCR) There are three parts to the course: 1.) Philosophy of Religion 2.) Religion & Ethics 3.) Developments in Religious Thought Each part is worth one third of the marks and is examined in a separate 2 hour examination.

What does each part of the course involve? 1.) Philosophy of Religion Ancient philosophical influences The nature of the soul, mind and body Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God The nature and impact of religious experience The challenge of the problem of evil Ideas about the nature of God Issues in religious language

2.) Religion & Ethics Normative ethical theories The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance Ethical language and thought Debates surrounding the idea of conscience Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious belief

3.) Developments in Religious Thought Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world Sources of religious wisdom and authority Practices which shape religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society

Pre-course reading and summer holiday work Take a reading list. The books on here are not textbooks, but at A level you will need to do additional reading in your own time in order to support the work you do in class. Additional reading is intended to be enjoyable-you can do it on holiday whilst on the beach, or at home relaxing!

Diagnostic test You have a choice of two questions: 1.) Assess the view that euthanasia is always morally wrong OR 2.) “ Individual religious experience does not make sense of belief in God. ” Discuss Both questions are worth 30 marks. You can take as much time as you like, go away and read and research the topics, and write about 3 sides of A4 or around 1000 words. This is due in on the first lesson back in September. These are A level essays which are designed to challenge you. We are not looking for perfection, just potential!

What will the lessons be like? With the person next to you, read through the sheet “ Jim and the Indians. ” Discuss what you would do in Jim ’ s situation. Where do you stand on this line? What things did you consider when making your decision? Jim should definitely shoot one of the Indians Jim should definitely not shoot.

Utilitarianism Bernard Williams ’ example of Jim and the Indians is intended as a criticism to an ethical theory called utilitarianism. Watch the video for a basic explanation of what utilitarianism is. What would a utilitarian, such as Mill, say that Jim should do? Do you agree?

Other examples There are two people trapped in a burning building. One is a 40 year old heart surgeon, the other is an 80 year old pensioner. You only have time to save one person. What are the options? What would you do and why? What if the pensioner was your grandparent?

Utilitarians say we should maximise happiness, but what is happiness? Write down 5 things that make you happy Swap with your neighbour. Did you have the same 5 things? How does this relate to utilitarianism?

The “ pleasure ” problem Three guards who work in a prison take pleasure in torturing prisoners. If they are only torturing one prisoner, is that OK?

The problem of intention Elderly Aunt Molly is ill. Her niece Tilly visits her and helps her because she loves her. Nephew Bob visits her and helps her because he hopes to be rewarded in her will. Nephew Dave visits her and helps her, not because he desires to help but because he believes it is his duty. Whose actions were best?

What is your overall view of utilitarianism? It’s great. You should always promote the greatest happiness of the greatest number. It’s terrible. Completely unfair, and allows people to get away with awful things. I’m not sure. I’ll have to take A level RS in September, and find out!