June 2015:
a. Explain how Utilitarians might approach euthanasia. [25]
b. ‘Helping a terminally ill patient to die is morally wrong.’ Discuss. [10]
June 2013:
a. Explain how the concept of the ‘Quality of Life’ might be applied to euthanasia. [25]
b. ‘The ‘Sanctity of Life’ is the most important issue when considering euthanasia.’ Discuss. [10]
June 2012:
a. Explain the moral issues surrounding euthanasia. [25]
b. To what extent is the quality of life the least important factor when considering euthanasia? [10]
In January 2011, this question came up:
a. Explain the main differences between Act and Rule Utilitarianism. [25]
b. To what extent is Utilitarianism a useful method of making decisions about euthanasia? [10]
This question was from June 2009 :
- Explain why a follower of religious ethics might object to euthanasia. [25]
- 'Human dignity does not matter to a follower of religious ethics.' Discuss. [10]
This question was from the January 2009 AS Ethics paper:
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Explain how Bentham’s version of Utilitarianism can be used to decide on the right course of action.
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‘Utilitarianism is the best approach to euthanasia.’ Discuss.
This question was from the OCR Website :
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Explain Natural Law Theory.
- ‘Natural Law is not the best approach to euthanasia’. Discuss.
The following exam question is written by OCR:
(a) Explain the main differences between Act and Rule Utilitarianism. [33]
(b) To what extent is Utilitarianism a useful method of making decisions about euthanasia? [17]
This A2 exam question is from June 2006:
'Only religious ethics can provide answers to the problems raised by euthanasia.' Discuss. [45]
(taken from the OCR website)
You could substitute 'Utilitarianism' with any ethical theory. Answering exam questions is the very best preparation for your exam. Why not try writing an answer for each theory. If you get each question marked, you should learn how to improve your technique and get a better grade for the next one!
From the same website, the following is an A2 question (it is possible, but uncommon, to take Religious Ethics 2 for AS and Religious Ethics 1 for A2). The style of question is more challenging, but well worth having a go at for AS students:
‘Until we can agree on a definition of “mercy”, it will be impossible to legislate for mercy-killing.’ Discuss. [45]
We now have an interactive diagram showing how to answer an ethics exam question, The 'structure' of the paragraph will be different for 'ethical theory' questions, but the basic principles are the same. Try filling it in yourself and print out the completed diagram.
