Which ethical theories do I need for WJEC Religion and Ethics?

The core normative theories are Aquinas' Natural Moral Law (deontological and absolutist), Fletcher's Situation Ethics (teleological and relativist), Kantian ethics (deontological, duty-based), and utilitarianism (Bentham and Mill, consequentialist). You also need foundational ethical thought, meta-ethics, the free-will debate, conscience (Aquinas and Freud), and the application of the theories to issues such as sexual ethics.

How is Religion and Ethics assessed at WJEC A level?

It is assessed by extended-answer examination questions testing two objectives: AO1, accurate and detailed knowledge and understanding, and AO2, analysis and evaluation leading to a justified judgement. Questions ask you to examine a theory or issue (AO1) or to evaluate a claim about it (AO2). Strong answers apply theories accurately and reach a clear, reasoned conclusion.

How should I revise WJEC Religion and Ethics?

Master each theory's structure and key thinker for AO1, and its strengths and weaknesses for AO2. Learn to apply the theories to applied issues such as sexual ethics, since application is heavily tested. Practise distinguishing deontological from teleological and absolutist from relativist theories, and always reach a clear judgement rather than just describing the positions.

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Religion and Ethics overview: how to study the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies component

Q: What is covered in the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies Religion and Ethics component?

Religion and Ethics covers foundational ethical thought (divine command theory, virtue theory, egoism), the major normative theories (Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian ethics and utilitarianism), meta-ethics (naturalism, intuitionism, emotivism), free will and moral responsibility, conscience, and applied ethics such as sexual ethics. It is studied across AS Unit 2 and A2 Unit 4 and assessed by extended-answer examination.

A complete overview of the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies Religion and Ethics component: foundational ethical thought, the normative theories (Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kant, utilitarianism), meta-ethics, free will, conscience, and applied sexual ethics.

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What Religion and Ethics tests
The themes
How to study Religion and Ethics
Where this fits in the exam

This overview maps the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies Religion and Ethics component, studied across AS Unit 2 and A2 Unit 4. It examines the main ethical theories, the nature of moral language and freedom, and the application of ethics to practical issues.

What Religion and Ethics tests

The component asks for accurate knowledge of ethical theories and the ability to analyse, evaluate and apply them. The two assessment objectives are AO1 (accurate, detailed knowledge and understanding) and AO2 (analysis, evaluation and a justified judgement). Application of the theories to issues is heavily rewarded.

The themes

This module covers the examinable themes, each with its own page.

Ethical thought. Divine command theory, virtue theory and egoism.
Natural Moral Law. Aquinas, the precepts and double effect.
Situation Ethics. Fletcher, agape and the working principles.
Kantian ethics. Duty, the categorical imperative and the postulates.
Utilitarianism. Bentham, Mill and the consequences debate.
Meta-ethics. Naturalism, intuitionism and emotivism.
Free will and moral responsibility. Determinism, libertarianism and predestination.
Conscience. Aquinas and Freud.
Sexual ethics. Applying the theories to premarital sex, homosexuality and contraception.

How to study Religion and Ethics

Learn each theory's structure. Know the key principle and thinker for each.
Classify the theories. Distinguish deontological from teleological and absolutist from relativist.
Weigh strengths and weaknesses. AO2 depends on balanced evaluation.
Apply theories to issues. Practise applying Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kant and utilitarianism to sexual ethics.
Reach a judgement. Conclude with a reasoned answer, not a summary.

Where this fits in the exam

Religion and Ethics connects to the Study of Religion paper (faith, love and moral principles) and the Philosophy of Religion paper (free will, conscience). For the official specification, past papers and mark schemes, see wjec.co.uk, and always revise from the current specification because question style is board-specific.

Sources & how we know this

WJEC GCE AS/A level Religious Studies specification — WJEC (2016)