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A-Level Revision Aid: This resource is designed to support your revision and may contain errors. If you find a discrepancy with your class teaching, your teacher is correct — please let us know at alevelrevise@scott.scottrix.co.uk.

RS1: Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology

Year 1 / ASYear 2 / A-Level All Boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, CCEA) AQA

Ontological and Cosmological arguments, problem of evil (Augustine vs Irenaeus/Hick), Natural Law, Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics.

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📋 Key Definitions and Core Concepts

Teleological Argument: Argument for God's existence based on evidence of design, purpose, and order in the universe (Paley's Watchmaker).
Categorical Imperative: Kant's deontological moral command: act only according to maxims you can universalise as universal law.

🔍 Key Principles & Specification Requirements

  • Arguments for God: Anselm's Ontological (God is that than which nothing greater can be conceived), Aquinas' 5 Ways (Motion, Cause, Contingency).
  • Problem of Evil: Logical (Mackie's inconsistent triad) vs Evidential (Rowe/Paul). Theodicies: Augustinian (privation of good) vs Irenaean (soul-making).
  • Ethical theories: Deontological (Kant, Aquinas Natural Law) vs Teleological/Consequentialist (Bentham Act Utilitarianism, Mill Rule Utilitarianism).

💡 Worked Example Question

Exam-Style Question

Question:

Critically assess whether the Irenaean/Hick soul-making theodicy successfully resolves the problem of evil.

Model Solution & Mark Scheme:

Hick argues the world was created imperfect ('epistemic distance') as an environment for moral and spiritual maturation ('soul-making'). This accounts for natural hazards as challenging stimuli. Critiques: It fails to justify excessive, disproportionate suffering (e.g. child suffering, Holocaust) and relies on universal salvation (escatological justification) which undermines human moral responsibility.

❓ Practice Questions & Mark Schemes

Q1: Explain the significance of Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology in A-Level examination contexts.

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Answer: Demonstrate clear conceptual understanding of Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology, defining core terminology and citing relevant principles or case examples.

Q2: Evaluate key arguments or methodologies concerning Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theories and Theology.

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Answer: Contrast competing perspectives, discuss empirical evidence or theoretical limitations, and synthesize a balanced, well-reasoned conclusion.

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