Key Beliefs
Name 3 Christian beliefs that influence perspectives on Capital Punishment (use tier 3 vocabulary)
What ethical framework means duty, where people act on principles, obligation and rules because something is inherently “right.”
Deontology
For IA1, you are creating an analytical essay. Name common conventions of an analytical essay (and what they don't include):
- Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- No first person
- No persuasive language or tone
- No paragraph headings
- Accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Includes analytical language choices
What key beliefs can be identified in this stimulus?
"Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being."
Sanctity of Life
Human dignity
Imago Dei
God is the ultimate Creator and sustainer of life, holding authority over its beginning and end.
Moral Absolutism Against Killing
Define "moratorium"
A moratorium is a temporary suspension or delay of an activity or practice, often imposed by an authority.
For example, a government may declare a moratorium on capital punishment while reassessing its legality or morality.
Name 3 Buddhist beliefs that influence perspectives on Capital Punishment (use tier 3 vocabulary)
What ethical framework values "good" outcomes and consequences?
Teleology
Provide 3 cohesive ties that signify differentiation
What key beliefs can be identified in this stimulus?
“Take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and the law”
- Qur'an
Sanctity of Life: human life has intrinsic value and must be respected and protected.
Divine Sovereignty: The acknowledgment that life is given and sanctified by God, indicating that only God has ultimate authority over life and death.
Adl (justice) in Islam
Sharia (Islamic law).
Qisas (retributive justice) or the upholding of societal order.
Define "nuance"
Nuance refers to a subtle or slight distinction, variation, or quality that adds depth or complexity to something. It is often used to describe fine details or shades of meaning in ideas, opinions, or situations that might not be immediately obvious but are important for a full understanding.
Name 3 Islamic beliefs that influence perspectives on Capital Punishment (use tier 3 vocabulary)
What ethical theory, (theorised by John Stuart Mil), promotes the principle of utility and priorites the greatest good for the greatest number?
Utilitarianism
Provide 4 words that signify evaluation
“I believe that everyone has the potential to improve and correct themselves. Therefore, I am optimistic that it remains possible to deter criminal activity…without having to resort to the death penalty”
- The 14th Dalai Lama
Potential for Growth and Transformation: The belief in the ability of all beings to improve aligns with the principle of karmic consequences, where actions lead to outcomes that shape one’s character and future. Everyone has the potential to change their karma through positive actions and intentions.
Compassion (Karuna): The focus on deterring criminal activity without resorting to the death penalty reflects the Buddhist emphasis on compassion, seeking non-violent and humane ways to address wrongdoing.
Non-Harm (Ahimsa): Avoiding the death penalty aligns with the principle of non-violence, which discourages causing harm to any living being, even those who have committed crimes.
Interconnectedness and Samsara: The belief that individuals are interconnected within the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth) supports the idea that punitive actions like the death penalty may perpetuate suffering rather than reduce it, emphasizing instead the importance of breaking this cycle through ethical action and rehabilitation.
Define "judgement day"
In Islam, Judgement Day is the final day when all individuals are resurrected and held accountable for their deeds, determining their eternal fate in Paradise or Hell based on Allah's justice and mercy.
Use the following words in 1 - 2 sentences to explain Islamic beliefs towards capital punishment: adl, qisas, rahma, teleology
In Islam, capital punishment is guided by adl (justice) and qisas (retribution), where the principle of "an eye for an eye" ensures fairness but it is balanced with rahma (mercy), as forgiveness by the victim's family is encouraged. These beliefs and practices align with a teleological approach, which emphasises achieving a fair, just, proportionate and moral outcome.
Explain Natural Law Theory
Natural law theory asserts the existence of a universal moral order based on reason and human nature. It holds that there are objective moral principles inherent in the nature of the world and humanity, which can be discovered through rational reflection. These principles are thought to govern human behaviour and form the foundation for just laws and social practices.
To achieve the highest band, you need to demonstrate an effective use of stimulus (this is one level above "competent use of stimulus"). Explain how one may use stimulus effectively.
Clearly signal when you reference the stimulus in your essay. You can do this by incorporating phrases such as, “As indicated in Stimulus One..., or by placing the stimulus in parentheses after a relevant quote. For example, The key belief of Ahimsa underscores that ‘compassion is essential in the ethical considerations of capital punishment’ (Stimulus One). This practice helps to reinforce the connection between your arguments and the provided stimulus material.
Or, you may like to quote a stimulus and make a judgement about its authority. E.g. "as stimulus 2 is a verse from the Qur'an and is therefore considered divine revelation, it would profoundly influence the perspectives of Islamic adherents."
What key beliefs can be identified in this stimulus?
"There are three ways of killing that we, as Buddhists, have to restrain: either by directly killing, indirectly killing, or rejoicing to see others be killed. Not only does this apply to human life, it should be also extended to all living beings
Non-Harm (Ahimsa): The explicit call to restrain from killing in any form reflects the central Buddhist principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, which applies to all living beings and encourages actions that reduce harm and suffering.
Sanctity of Life: The inclusion of all living beings, not just humans, highlights the Buddhist belief in the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life forms, underscoring the need for compassion and respect for all sentient beings.
Karmic Consequences: Avoiding killing, whether directly or indirectly, aligns with the belief in karma, where harmful actions create negative karmic consequences that affect the individual and perpetuate suffering in samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth).
Compassion (Karuna): The principle of karuna is evident in the encouragement to avoid rejoicing in the harm of others, promoting empathy and the wish to alleviate the suffering of all beings.
Define "abolitionist" and "retentionist"
An abolitionist is someone who advocates for the complete abolition or elimination of a particular practice, such as the death penalty, while a retentionist is someone who supports the continuation or retention of that practice, believing it should remain in place.
Use the following words in 1 - 2 sentences to explain Buddhist beliefs towards capital punishment: karmic consequence, karuna, ahimsa, samsara
Buddhist beliefs towards capital punishment emphasie ahimsa (non-violence) and karuna (compassion), rejecting actions that harm others, as they generate negative karmic consequences for all involved. This approach aligns with the goal of breaking free from samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth) by deliberately performing good actions and avoiding actions that perpetuate suffering.
Identify two strengths and two weaknesses of Divine Command Theory
Strengths:
- It provides a clear and absolute moral standard
- Unchanging
- Universally applicable
Weaknesses:
- Morality is arbitrary if based solely on God’s will
- Whose God?
- There will be contradictions
- Does not apply if you don't believe in God
To achieve full marks, you need to demonstrate a "well-reasoned analysis of perspectives." In what way might you achieve this top band?
Strong analyses will consider multiple perspectives from the same faith-group, including those of key figures, groups, sects, as well as various individuals, communities, cultures, nation-states.
What is the significance of the following excerpt: "A staggering 93% of Thai people supported the use of the death sentence in a survey carried out at the same time as Thailand carried out its first execution in June this year since 2009."
- Thai Examiner
This excerpt suggests a possible tension between cultural practices and religious ideals. That practical needs of society prevail over the beliefs of the national religion.
What is the purpose of the 5 Precepts?
The Five Precepts are fundamental ethical guidelines in Buddhism that serve as a foundation for moral conduct and ethical decision-making. They are designed to generate self-discipline, reduce harm, and promote spiritual development by aligning actions with the principles of compassion, non-attachment, and mindfulness.