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WalesReligious StudiesQuick questions
Religion and Ethics (Units 2 and 4)
Quick questions on Sexual ethics: applying the ethical theories - WJEC A-Level Religious Studies
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is model paragraph?Show answer
Contraception is a revealing test case, because the theories divide sharply and for instructive reasons. Natural Law, in its traditional Catholic form, condemns artificial contraception because it severs the act of sex from its procreative purpose, and this position is principled and consistent, but it rests on the contested claim that frustrating a natural function is inherently wrong, and most people, including many religious believers, reject the conclusion as failing to fit the realities of family planning, health and responsible parenthood. Situation Ethics and utilitarianism reach the opposite verdict easily: contraception can be the most loving choice and clearly tends to maximise wellbeing by enabling couples to plan families and prevent harm, which matches widespread modern moral intuition, though critics note that "the most loving thing" and "the greatest happiness" are vague and could in principle license much more.
What is q1?Show answer
On what grounds does Natural Law oppose contraception? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
How would Situation Ethics judge premarital sex? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Evaluate the view that ethical theories give better guidance on sexual ethics than religious rules. [20 marks]
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