Each book in the Access to Religion and Philosophy series provides a concise and readable introduction to a key area in religious studies and philosophy for A Level students. The second edition of An Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics has been updated in line with the revised 2008 A level specification requirements. It offers students a straightforward and concise outline of the key topics and arguments in the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics and provides a solid basis for those who are starting A level courses in Religious Studies or Philosophy. Features include: - Key questions throughout the chapters to help students focus on the key issues - Key terms defined and explained throughout the chapters - Profiles of key individuals - their contribution and significance - More summary diagrams throughout to aid revision - Revision checklists at the end of chapters - New exam-style questions and tips at the end of each chapter.
Mel Thompson is an experienced Religious Studies and Philosophy author
Preface Introduction 1. Objectives at AS level 2. Selecting and demonstrating knowledge 3. Sustaining a critical line of argument 4. Looking at the context 5. Handling source material Chapter 1: Influences of Ancient Greek Philosophy 1. Plato 2. Aristotle Chapter 2: Arguments for the Existence of God and their Critics 1. Concepts of God 2. The Ontological Argument 3. The Cosmological Argument 4. The Teleological Argument (from Design) 5. The Moral Argument Chapter 3: Revelation and Religious Experience 1. The nature of religious experience 2. Can religious experiences be deemed revelation? 3. The Argument from Religious Experience Chapter 4: Challenges to Religious Belief 1. The problem of Evil and Suffering 2. Issues raised by Psychology and Sociology 3. Alternative philosophies 4. Religion in a multicultural environment Chapter 5: Religious Language 1. Some basic features of language 2. Verification and Falsification 3. Via negativa (Apophatic Way) 4. Types of Religious Language Chapter 6: Issues Raised by Science 1. Historical Perspectives 2. The Origin of the Universe 3. Freedom and Determinism 4. Miracles Chapter 7: Body and Soul 1. Greek ideas of the soul 2. Some modern thinkers 3. Life beyond death Chapter 8: Ethical Arguments 1. Why be moral? 2. Some Key Terms 3. Presenting an ethical argument 4. Meta-Ethics 5. The Meaning of Ethical Language 6. Absolutism and Relativism Chapter 9: Ethical Theories 1. Natural Law 2. Utilitarianism 3. Kant's Ethical Theory 4. Situation Ethics 5. Virtue Ethics Chapter 10: Religious Ethics 1.The Divine Command theory of Ethics 2.Judaism 3.Christianity 4.Islam 5.Hinduism 6.Buddhism 7.Sikhism Chapter 11. Free Will and Conscience 1. Freedom, will and moral responsibility 2. Conscience Chapter 12: Practical Ethics I 1. Abortion and euthanasia: the right to life 2. The right to a child 3. Genetic Engineering and Embryo Research Chapter 13: Practical Ethics II 1. Environmental Ethics 2. Equality in the Modern World? 3. War, Peace and Justice Chapter 14: Preparing for the Examination 1. Revising from your notes 2. Checking the specifications 3. Essay outlines: advantages and disadvantages 4. On the day... Issues of space and time Glossary Further reading Index