Marks: 11/12 (Level 9)
Colour coded and includes notes on how to write a good essay for your RS 12 marker. A must-have if you're revising for your RS GCSEs and follow the AQA exam board. The essay also makes references to both Christianity and Buddhism.
“The UK should unilaterally destroy its nuclear weapons” Do you agree? (Level 8-9 response)
I agree with the statement to a far extent.
A reason why they should be destroyed is a war fought using nuclear weapons would be unjust as a
large number of civilians would be harmed. A key principle of the just war theory is to not harm
civilians or innocent people; yet the deployment of nuclear weapons results in the deaths and
casualties of all people across the targeted nation. In fact, killing in general is discouraged by
Christians, this can be seen from the quote “thou shalt not kill”, which is one of the ten
commandments. If nuclear weapons are destroyed for good, there is no chance of them being
deployed and causing mass destruction.
However, some may insist that if the enemies have deployed nuclear weapons, it is only appropriate
to retaliate by deploying nuclear weapons. However, from a Buddhist perspective retaliation is a n
expression of hatred, which is one of the three poisons—and willonly lead to more suffering and
conflict. Instead, the UK should look into addressing the causes of conflict and resolving them
through peaceful means, instead of fighting fire with fire and using nuclear weapons.
Furthermore, nuclear weapons should be banned since they cause irrevocable, vast damage to the
environment. From a Christian perspective. “all Christians are but God’s stewards” and have the
responsibility of taking care of God’s creation. Hence the UK should destroy its nuclear weapons so
that there is no risk of destroying the environment. Furthermore, Buddhists believe they must avoid
harming living beings as it is one of the four moral precepts. Causing destruction to the environment
through nuclear weaponry kills the living beings which live in it, therefore nuclear weapons should
be destroyed for good.
Some may argue that if both the UK and its opponent have nuclear weapons, both sides won’t fight
and can maintain a conflict-free negative peace. However, when such a peace is maintained, tension
is not resolved and the two countries still stuffer form the risk of conflict. Therefore, there is no need
for nuclear weapons—the UK should address its conflict with enemy countries without nuclear
weapons so that peace and co-operation can be maintained in the long term.
In conclusion, I strongly agree with the statement. Nuclear weapons of the UK should be destroyed
as they have the capability to destroy millions of lives and the environment. In addition, nuclear
weapons are not a good deterrent for war and there are more peaceful, effective ways to prevent
and resolve conflict rather than simply keeping hold of nuclear weapons.
Argument
Counter Argument
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