Ethical Theory - GCSE

Question 1

what is divine command theory?

Answer 1

the belief that an action is always right or always wrong if it follows one of God’s divine commands e.g. the 10 commandments (given to Moses on Mount Sinai as told in Exodus)

Question 2

what is the meaning of an absolutist theory?

Answer 2

something is always right or always wrong regardless if the circumstances.

Question 3

what is the meaning of a deontological theory?

Answer 3

it is action focused (not outcome focused)

Question 4

what are the positives of divine command theory?

Answer 4

emotions can’t cloud judgment and there are clear instructions so prevents things like murder/stealing

Question 5

what are the negatives of divine command theory?

Answer 5

the situation is not considered (e.g. abortion) and God gave us moral and free will so we could make our own choices.

Question 6

who developed situation ethics? Why?

Answer 6

Joseph Fletcher, as he believed in prioritising agape, that rules could be broken if agape is the reason why.

Question 7

Why is situation ethics a teleological theory?

Answer 7

because it focuses on the purpose or the meaning rather than the action itself

Question 8

what are the positives of situation ethics?

Answer 8

Jesus encouraged agape and can be seen as empathetic (considers the needs of the individual)

Question 9

what are the negatives of situation ethics?

Answer 9

the definitions of love differ, and could be manipulated to justify an immoral action. We cannot always determine the consequences.

Question 10

what are virtue ethics?

Answer 10

makes decisions based on the person’s character and how they live, rather than looking at the action or the situation

Question 11

why are virtue ethics considered important/justified?

Answer 11

virtuous means moral. Virtue ethics argues that someone is virtuous if they strive towards developing good virtues (developing good characters)

Question 12

what are the four cardinal virtues that a person must strive to have to be considered virtuous? what do they mean?

Answer 12

• prudence = make decisions using reason
• temperance = self restraint
• justice = fair
• fortitude = courageous

Question 13

what are the three theological virtues?

Answer 13

• faith
• hope
• charity (love)

Question 14

what are the points for this 15 mark question:
“Catholics should only follow divine command theory to become a moral person”

Answer 14

Agree:
- following God’s divine commands are important (10 commandments)
- the Church has an absolutist and a deontological approach to decision making
- important to follow Jesus’ teachings on morality
Disagree:
- some may follow situation ethics
- some may follow virtue ethics
- using your conscience to make the right decision

Question 15

what are the points for this 15 mark question:
“It is easy to follow Jesus’ teachings on morality”

Answer 15

Agree:
- Jesus taught parables with clear guidance e.g. prodigal son
- jesus modelled how to be moral through his actions e.g. washing of the feet (teaches agape)

Disagree:
- humans are born with original sin because Adam + Eve ate the fruit off the tree of knowledge
- humans may misuse their free will
- Jesus taught to love your enemies however this is hard because we are not omnibenevolent