4 ESSAY PLANS
These essay plans helped me get an A* overall in OCR Philosophy & Ethics (Full Marks on ethics paper).
Essay plans discussing the complexities surrounding the challenge of secularism. The essay plans have a particular focus on AO1, so that students are able to learn this topics ...
“Christian values are no more distinctive than human values” Discuss.
Introduction
Define: Humanism- Humanism is a life philosophy based on a profound respect for human dignity
and the conviction that human beings are ultimately accountable to themselves and to society for
their actions.
Importance: Christian values do not need to be put on a pedestal or recognised as a reason to follow
the Christian faith, if they are indeed just human values.
Conclusion: Christian values are more distinctive than human values.
Paragraph 1
Point: Christian values are more distinctive than human values
Argument: Consider the values that Christian uphold that are not necessary to help a society
flourish. The humanist’s argument is that common values of compassion, empathy and peace
between humanists and Christians exists only to advance a moral code to keep society from falling
into brutal chaos. However, how does one use this rationale to explain the value of self-sacrifice?
Self-sacrifice (of one friend for another, of a mother for her child, of a soldier for his platoon) and
unconditional love (which motivates nurses to travel to Ebola-stricken regions of the world to help
those who are suffering) are less easy to explain in purely rational terms.
Counterargument: Even if spiritual values (pure, perfect and untainted) are better than human
values (physical, sensual and can be morally corrupt), that does not mean Christianity has a
monopoly over spiritual values. Many different religions have very similar values.
Paragraph 2
Point: Christian values are no more distinctive than human values.
Argument: Humanists do not believe in a god. They believe it is possible to live a good and fulfilling
life without following a traditional religion. They do not follow a holy book either. Instead,
Humanist’s value traits like reason and rely on science to explain the way things are.
The Amsterdam Declaration 2002 is a statement of the fundamental principles of modern Humanism
passed unanimously by the General Assembly of Humanists International at the 50th anniversary
World Humanist Congress in 2002: 1. Humanism is ethical. Humanism is rational. 3. Humanism
supports democracy and human rights. 4. Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined
with social responsibility. 5. Humanism is a secular response. 6. Humanism values artistic creativity
and imagination. 7. Humanism is a life stance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment.
Counterargument: These values don’t require you to love your enemies (Love your enemies. And
pray for those who persecute. –Matthew 5:44) or forgive somebody constantly (‘Forgive not seven
times but 70x7 times’). Christian values seems to go a step further in ensuring the humility of its
followers.
Paragraph 3
, Point: Christian values are more distinctive than human values
Argument: There are certain values and teachings in Christianity which make it distinctive and more
than just everyday human values that are shared throughout humanity. For example, the emphasis
placed on the sanctity of life suggests that spiritual values uphold the intrinsic value and dignity of
human life- All life is sacred and we are imago dei (made in the image and likeness of God).
Humanists tend to prefer a quality of life stance. Additionally, consider the distinctive Christian value
of upholding the dignity of life over personal choice (for example when considering euthanasia or
abortion).
Counterargument: Whilst Christians may specifically note that they uphold the sanctity of life,
making difficult decisions concerning euthanasia and abortion
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