GCSE Philosophy and Applied Ethics
Medical Ethics AND Poverty and Wealth ‘C’
1. Read the booklet – take notes on key points
2. Convert each revision sheet (a topic like Abortion) into a ‘poster’ where you can
visualise the key points
3. Then reduce every sheet to just a few bullet points – so you have the whole of
Equality on just one sheet of A4 – (see my sheet at back of booklet)
4. Read examples of ‘What is a Good Answer?’ so you know the style and the amount to
put in your answer
5. Read the Exam Technique page so you know how to answer the different types of
questions
6. Read the Exam Questions sheet and attempt every single question. At least do a plan
of how you would answer the ‘c’, ‘d’ and ‘e’ questions
Exam Technique
Each question is splits into parts a, b, c, d and e
Part a - 1 mark
This is knowledge question and is only worth one mark so try to limit time spent on it; Usually 1 or 2 sentences,
aprrox 1-2 minutes only.
Part b – 2 marks
This part of the question is worth two marks so be brief; 2-3 minutes only, approx 2-4 sentences.
Part c – 3 marks
This part of the question is worth three marks and should take no more than 4 minutes and be 3 – 5 sentences. It
usually asks for you to describe Christian beliefs. Make sure you just do that. E.g Some Christians believe...... Some
Christians believe....... Some Christians believe...........
It usually doesn’t want you to expand on why – so make sure you don’t, save that for part d.
Part d – 6marks
This part of the question is worth six marks so spend 8-10 minutes on it. This part of the question asks you to explain
a belief or attitude. For example you could be asked to ‘Explain Christian beliefs about giving money to charity.’ In
your answer make sure that you:
 Briefly explain the Christian point(s) of view.
 Back up with evidence from the Bible or other Christian sources.
 Explain why the evidence supports that point of view.
 Use specific religious words in your answer. For example when writing about medical ethics you could refer
to the ‘sanctity of life which shows the all life is created by Gold as so is special.
 If possible mention a famous Christian who responded to this issue, e.g. poverty – Mother Teresa.
Part e – 12 marks
This part of the question is worth 12 marks so allow 12-15 minutes. By following the structure below it is easy to get
really good marks:
 Some people agree with this statement because.... x 1 or 2 reasons. Then say, ‘However some other people
might think differently because ... . x 1 or 2 reasons.
 Some Christians agree with the statement because.... x 2 to 3 reasons. Then say (if you can) However some
Christians might disagree because .....x 2 to 3 reasons
 Ideally you need to put YOUR opinion throughout the answer but if you haven’t then you must put it at the
end with reasons. E.g. I have considered both view points and my view is .... because... ....x 2 to 3 reasons

NOTE: You Cannot gain a ‘C’ grade unless you have put your opinion and a Christian view. Don’t forget to....
 Refer to the Bible or Church views if you can or the views of famous Christians where appropriate.
Exam questions - Medical Ethics
1a.What is meant by cloning?
(1 mark)
1b. State two reasons why some Christians might oppose human cloning.
(2 marks)
1c. Describe the attitudes of some Christians towards a childless couple seeking fertility treatment.
(3 marks)
1d. Explain some Christian attitudes towards abortion.
(6 marks)
1e. ‘Children are a gift, not a right.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
2a. What does euthanasia mean?
(1 mark)
2b. Give two reasons which might lead a person to commit suicide.
(2 marks)
2c. Describe the attitude of some Christians towards suicide.
(3 marks)
2d. Explain the attitude of some Christians to helping a terminally ill person to die. (6 marks)
2e. ‘Only God has the right to take life.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
3a. What is abortion.
(1 mark)
3b. Give two reasons why a person might want euthanasia.
(2 marks)
3c. Describe the attitude of some Christians towards experiments on animals.
(3 marks)
3d. Explain some Christian attitudes towards research on animals.
(6 marks)
3e. ‘Experiments on animals are cruel and unnecessary.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
4a. What is fertility treatment?
(1 mark)
4b. Give two reasons which might lead a person to want an abortion.
(2 marks)
4c. Describe the attitude of some Christians towards genetic engineering.
(3 marks)
4d. Explain some Christian attitudes towards fertility treatment.
(6 marks)
4e. ‘Genetic engineering is wrong.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
5a. What is suicide?
(1 mark)
5b. Give two reasons why some people feel that experiments on animals are needed.
(2 marks)
5c. Describe the attitude of some Christians towards abortion.
(3 marks)
5d. Explain some Christian attitudes towards cloning.
(6 marks)
5e. ‘Abortion is murder.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
What is a good answer?
Below are JUST examples. Look at:
HOW much you should write. HOW you should back up your points
HOW you should ANSWER the question.
(c) What does Christianity teach about abortion? (approx 4minutes) – just 3 marks
Some Christians believe that abortion is never right. They think that God plans every human life before birth and to
abort a life interferes with God’s plan. The Roman Catholic Church supports this view. It believes abortion is always
wrong, unless it is performed in order to save the life of the mother.
Other Christians believe that in some situations abortion is the kindest thing to do. This might be in the case of a very
young girl who has become pregnant or when a foetus had severe deformities.
(d) Explain how a Christian would respond to a friend who chose to have an abortion. (approx 8 minutes) – 6
marks
All Christians know that they should treat others with respect and consideration. This belief is illustrated by Jesus’
parable of the Good Samaritan. If a Christian were faced with a friend who chose to have an abortion they should
react with care and compassion and think carefully about their friend’s reasons for the abortion.
A Christian’s faith would influence their view of abortion since Christians believe killing is morally wrong. However,
since Christian churches have different view on abortion, a Christian would need to think about what their church
would think before coming to a conclusion.
If the Christian were a practising Catholic they would not agree with their friend’s choice, since the Roman Catholic
Church maintains that taking a life is morally wrong. They think this because they believe that life begins at
conception and they believe in the 6th command, Do not A Christian from another church may support their friend’s
decision to have an abortion. Members of the Church of England believe that although abortion should not be
encouraged it may be allowed in certain circumstances (e.g. if the pregnancy is due to rape, or the mother is very
young).
(e) ‘Abortion is a woman’s right.’ (approx 14 mins) – 12 marks
Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of
view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
The issue of abortion raises serious questions, not least of which is whether abortion is a woman’s right. Within
Christianity there are conflicting views on abortion. The Roman Catholic Church denies that abortion is a woman’s
right. Pro-life campaigners support this position. They see abortion as murder. In addition Christians who are against
abortion would argue that human life is sacred because we are all made in the image of God who has a plan for all of
us which is formed before we are born. Therefore going against this plan is going against God and is therefore a sin.
Pro-choice groups claim that every woman has a right to an abortion, as long as it is performed in accordance with
strict legal and moral guidelines. This would be acceptable to Christians from the Church of England and other
churches which maintain the position that although abortion should not be carried out lightly, it is sometimes
necessary in order to avoid further pain and suffering. An example of this would be allowing a rape victim to have an
abortion. This is the teaching of ‘love’ in which Christians are taught to do the most loving thing and ‘Do unto others
as we would have them do unto you’ as stated in the gospel of Matthew.
In conclusion, I think that the view that abortion is a woman’s right is the most convincing. In situations where a
woman’s life is at risk or the pregnancy is due to rape the option should exist to abort the foetus. In this sense I
support the view held by the Church of England.
Religion and Medical Ethics unit 7 – Abortion
Abortion – When a pregnancy is stopped early and the baby / foetus dies
Most Christians are unhappy that there are so many Abortions because they believe in the ‘Sancity
of Life’ – which means all life is special and sacred (holy)
Catholic Church



Against abortion because they believe that life is special (sacred) –a gift from God
The Pope said “Abortion is a serious sin”
They say it breaks the commandment, „Do not murder‟
Church of England – Generally against Abortion for same reasons as Catholics


They say “The number of abortions since 1967 is too high
They say Abortion is sometimes ok if :1. if baby is seriously handicapped
2. if mother‟s life is at risk
3. if pregnancy is as a result of rape
They believe women should be treated with compassion whatever . . .
Quakers (A small Christian Church approx 20,000 in GB)


They ask the question “What is the most loving thing to do?” which comes from the quote “Love
you neighbour”
They think a woman should make her own decisions because they believe God guides through
a person‟s conscience led by God not Bible commands
Sub Topic: Fertility Treatment
Ferility Treatment – when a woman (sometimes a man) has treatment to help her have a baby
because she can’t naturally
IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation- The most common form of Fertility treatment. The egg and sperm are brought
together in a test tube then the embyo is put back in the mothe‟rs womb.
Reasons some Christians are against IVF:
 life is a gift from God - not something we can demand
 The spare embryos that are made are destroyed. This is murder
 It is against „nature‟ to create a child other than through sex
Reasons some Christians are for IVF:
 It can bring happiness to people who otherwise cannot have children. This is
„loving your neighbour‟
 It can create loving families and love and happiness is the basis of Christianity
 Jesus healed people. IVF is a form of healing
Cloning (sometimes called genetic engineering)
Reproductive Cloning
When an identical copy of an animal or human is made from one single cell. It is illegal to clone humans
in every country in the world. Most people, religious and non religious are against it.
Reasons against
General



It is seen as immoral because ‘Hitlers’ could be cloned
It would create selfish people who just want a replica like ‘themselves’
Deformed species are the result
Christian Reasons


It is playing ‘God’ - ‘God gives and takes life’ - not humans
Many of the embryos that are made die before success – This could be classed as murder.
Reasons For
General reasons


In animals- farmers could get perfect specimens for food
Help couples to have a baby where IVF has failed
Christian reasons – very few would take this view

If used instead of IVF it would create ‘families’. This would create ‘love’ and ‘happiness. All
these things are very important in Christianity
Sub topic: Suicide
Suicide = deliberate taking of own life
Most Christians are against suicide because they believe in the „Sanctity of Life‟ – that life is sacred and
special.
Some Christians in the past and some even today still hold a very strong view.
Old Christian View




It is self murder because the Bible says “Do not murder” in the 10 commandments
Bible says „God gives life and God takes it away. It should not be a human‟s choice
It is seen as rejection of God‟s gift and power
It is seen as selfish – It hurts family
After 1961 the law changed. It became legal to commit suicide. A new Christian view developed:-
New Christian view
Still seen as a worry, because of above but:




Christians should have compassion – Jesus had compassion on the weak
The Good Samaritan story encourages Christians to help the weak
Christians now see that mental illness which causes many people to want to commit suicide is
genuine and needs treatment not punishment
The Samaritans (24 hour phone helpline) was set up by a Vicar to help people thinking about
suicide.
Sub topic: Euthanasia
Voluntary Euthanasia – When a doctor ends someone‟s life with their permission. Most Christians are against
this because of they believe in the „Sanctity of Life‟, that every life is special and sacred and every life is
worth living.
Arguments against Euthanasia (The Christian View)

Hospices (Inbetween hospitals and Hotels) can ease pain – so people can die with dignity

Bible says, ‘God gives life and God takes it’ It is God’s right to take life not humans

It’s murder – The 6th commandment in the Bible says so – Do not Murder‟

It could create a selfish society where old people and the disabled are „got rid‟ of
Some Christians argue for Euthanasia because:1. God is love – Sometimes Euthanasia is the most loving thing to do
2. God gave us free will to make our own decisions
Animal Experimentation
How are animals used in testing?
 To test drugs for cures for diseases like cancer.
 To study responses to particular kinds of illness or injury.
 To test cosmetics like lipstick or deodorant.
Christian view on animal testing
 To most Christians it is ok provided it does not cause unnecessary
suffering to the animal because according to the Bible humans are
supposed to ‘look after (steward) them’
 It is ok as long as it is done to improve the quality of human life or save
human life. E.g. tests for cancer
 Many Christians would think that testing deodorant and cosmetics on
animals is wrong because it isn’t essential and causes a lot of suffering to
the animal. This is a misuse of God’s power which has been given to
humans.
Generally Christians accept animal testing because:
 Humans are most important in God’s creation because they have a soul and
are made in the image of God.
 Animals do not have a soul and so do not have the same special place in
God’s creation.
Topic : Poverty and Wealth
Sub Topic : Attitudes to poor
Causes of poverty
War, Natural Disasters, Unfair Trade, Poor Education, Corruption, Debt, Disease.
Poverty Cycle can be broken in many ways:




Fair Trade Cooperatives = decent pay for workers
more hospitals, schools etc.
governments cancelling the debt of a country
end to war
Christian attitudes to poor

compassion – they find scenes of poverty moving
Christianity teaches:




respect for poor – everyone is made in God’s image
honour – somehow the poor are more blessed than the rich; Jesus said ‘Blessed are the poor.’
don’t ignore the poor – story of Good Samaritan
try to give practical help i.e. help the sick
Christian Actions for the Poor




give money to charity e.g. Christian Aid or Oxfam
go to work for a charity at home or abroad
choose a profession that helps the poor
Pray for the poor
Topic: POVERTY AND WEALTH
Sub Topic: Wealth and Money
The main idea in Christianity is that money should be used to help others in need. This must be done in
such a way that it doesn’t cause boasting in the giver.
Sometimes money and possessions can be such a block to God that some Christians take the verse ‘Sell
your Possessions and give to the poor’ literally and do just that, like in the film into the Wild. This might be
the right thing to do sometimes but other times it could be a cop out and actually quite selfish.
Christians would be careful what charities they give their money to. It would have to have Christian
principles like helping the poor or equality for certain groups.
Key teachings:

BE GENEROUS OR FACE PUNISHMENT – Luke 16:19-31 Story of Rich man and Lazarus where the
rich man ignored the poor man at his gate and ended up in hell.

BE GENEROUS - Acts of Apostles – The early Christians shared their possessions and in this way showed
‘love.’ This sets the e.g. for Christians today.

GIVE FROM THE HEART - Mark 12:41-44 The Widows mite - Its not what you give, it’s how you give that
counts

GIVE SECRECTLY – Because any other way could encourage boasting and giving for the wrong motives (Matt
6) ‘Be careful not to do your giving so others can see otherwise you will have no reward from God’

MONEY AND POSSESSIONS CAN BE A BLOCK TO GOD – Story of Rich Young Ruler who refused to sell
possessions and give to poor and follow Jesus.

THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL – e.g. arrogance alcoholism.

THE POOR ARE BLESSED – Luke 6:20 ‘Blessed are the poor for theirs is the Kingdom of God’ - Sometimes
poorer people are seen as more spiritually blessed and rich can be spiritually desolate.
Sub Topic: MORAL AND IMMORAL OCCUPATIONS
Christian Principles of Work

People should work to earn money to be able to give to the poor

If someone refuses to work they shouldn’t be able to claim benefit (‘If a man does not work he should not
eat’ (2 Thessalonians 3)

It should be to provide for the families needs

It should be a job that fulfils the Christian principle of ‘Loving your Neighbour’ and certainly not harming
them.

It should be a job that contributes positively to society

When working people should do it as if they are doing their job for God – hard and obediently
Moral Occupations
Because many occupations fulfil the above, Christians will see many occupations as ‘moral’
Some obvious examples are: Doctor, nurse, teacher, charity worker, Social worker.
Immoral Occupations
Some jobs are obviously seen as immoral because they do not fulfil the above or other Christian ideas. E.g.
Prostitute, Drug dealer, Abortion doctor,
Debatable Occupations
There are many occupations that Christians would disagree about
For example:
Being a soldier (if they were a pacifists or not)
A financier or banker (possibility of excessive greed or trading on 3rd world slave trade)
Exam questions – Poverty and Wealth
1a.What is meant by poverty?
(1 mark)
1b. State two Christian attitudes to the use of money.
(2 marks)
1c. How might a Christian respond to the needs of poor people.
(3 marks)
1d. Explain what Christianity teaches about the causes of poverty.
(6 marks)
1e. ‘Giving money to a charity is the most important thing a religious person can do.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
2a.State one cause of world hunger
(1 mark)
2b. State two reasons why Christians might help the poor.
(2 marks)
2c. Describe Christian teaching about caring for others.
(3 marks)
2d. Explain Christian attitudes towards wealth.
(6 marks)
2e. ‘Money is the cause of all evil in the world.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
3a. What is meant by the word ‘charity’?
(1 mark)
3b. What careers would a Christian consider to be good.
(2 marks)
3c. What do Christians believe about gambling.
(3 marks)
3d. Explain why Christians might give money to charity.
(6 marks)
3e. ‘Everyone should give to charity.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
4a. What are the causes of hunger and want?
(1 mark)
4b. Give two reasons why some people are unable to escape poverty.
(2 marks)
4c. Describe what a Christian might take into account when choosing an occupation.
(3 marks)
4d. Explain some of the different ways that Christian charity is put into practice. (6 marks)
4e. ‘Charity should begin at home.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
5a. What is meant by stewardship?
5b. Give two ways that Christians put Christian charity into practice.
(2 marks)
5c. Describe Christian views about wealth
(3 marks)
5d. Explain some Christian responses to the needs of the starving, poor and sick (6 marks)
5e. ‘It2e. ‘Only God has the right to take life.’
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported point of view and a personal viewpoint.
You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)
What an B looks like
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
What is Absolute Poverty? (1mark)
What occupations might Christians see as immoral? (2 marks)
Describe Christian attitudes towards people who poor. (3 marks)
Why might Christians give money to charity? (6 marks)
‘People must look after their family before they worry about the poor.’ (Discuss. 12 marks)
a.
Poverty is when people have not got the basics to survive 1/1
b.
Christians might see a prostitute and a drug dealer as immoral. 1 / 2
c.
Christians show respect towards the poor because Jesus did. They might go further and show compassion toward
the poor and help them because they are inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan. Some might even hold them
in high regard as well. 2/3
d.
Christians might give money to charity for various reasons. They might give because they believe that money is
dangerous if held on to too tightly. They would believe the quote ‘The Love of money is the root of all kinds of evil’
and as a result think they better give some of their money to a good cause. They might also believe that if they
don’t give to charity they would be in danger of going to hell. They might also be massively influenced by many
Bible verses that encourage Christians to be generous with their money and to help the poor like the Good
Samaritan story.
4/6
e.
Some people would agree with the statement ‘People must look after their family before they worry about the
poor’ because they have heard the phrase ‘charity starts at home ’ so much that they just come to accept it. They
might compare themselves to the rich and famous and not think they are well off. They might also not be as
affected with scenes of poverty on the TV because there has been so much about the poor on TV that they are no
longer struck by it.
Some Christians might agree with the statement that they should look after their family first because of Bible verses
that encourage them to work hard and provide for their family as being very important. Most Christians would still feel
it is there duty to think about the poor and help in whatever small way they can. However there might be some
Christians that totally disagree with the statement that family should come first. These Christians, possibly nuns,
monks, missionaries or charity workers would consider helping the poor as their top priority because of other Bible
verses.
I think such an attitude is good but if your family don’t want to move abroad and live in poverty it is like treating them
in a cruel way. If you are single then maybe it is ok and a lot of people will gain from it. Having said that I tend to agree
with the vast majority of Christians that looking after your family as the first priority is right but I do think that every
person can help the poor in small ways even if they haven’t got a lot of money, like helping at a soup kitchen for the
homeless. 8/12
16/24= B grade