G581 - A2 Philosophy of Religion 2013/14
The Soul; Life After Death
The Burgate School & Sixth Form Independent Learning Booklet.
OCR
A Level Religious Studies (H572)
A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
Course: OCR A Level Religious Studies (H572)
Introduction
You are studying for an OCR A Level in Religious Studies. The Units you study in A2 will assume that you have
sufficient knowledge from the AS courses to successfully complete the A2 exams. The modules that comprise
this course are as follows:
AS:
A2:
Unit Code
Unit Title
% of A Level
G571
AS Philosophy of Religion
25%
G572
AS Religious Ethics
25%
Unit Code
Unit Title
% of A Level
G581
A2 Philosophy of Religion
25%
G582
A2 Religious Ethics
25%
AS Phil Grade & UMS
AS Ethics Grade & UMS
Grading the A Level
A*
A
B
C
D
E
AS UMS:
See note
160
140
120
100
80
A2 UMS:
180
160
140
120
100
80
A Level UMS:
320
320
280
240
200
160
A* - To be awarded an A* you must score a minimum of 320 UMS and you must score 180 UMS in A2.
Each exam is reported by OCR by its UMS – which is the percentage (%) you achieved on that paper. So if you
scored 42 in AS Religious Ethics your UMS (on the certificate you were given in August) would state UMS 60
(60%) for a C.
So if you are aiming for an overall C you need to score 240. If you scored 60 UMS in AS Ethics and 58 UMS
in AS Philosophy you have 118 UMS at AS Level you would need to get at least 122 UMS at A2.
Expectations for A2 Study
At A2 in Philosophy and in Ethics all your teachers have the following expectations:
1. You will be taught 4 Philosophy and 5 ethics lessons a fortnight. You will need two large folders, one
for each subject (although you may like to keep all of your philosophy and ethics work together to
begin with. It is your responsibility to remember the right folder. Your Philosophy folder will need
dividers for: Essays, Life after Death, The Nature of God, Religious Language, Religious Experience
and Miracles. Your Ethics folder will need dividers for Meta Ethics, Virtue Ethics, Free Will and Determinism, Conscience, Environmental Ethics, Sexual Ethics.
2. You will arrive to every lesson with all the equipment that you need for the lesson, with pens and
other note making equipment including lined paper. You may also bring a tablet computer or laptop
to make notes with.
3. You will complete all homework set on time and with adequate levels of effort. If you are unable
to meet a deadline you must contact the appropriate teacher at least 24 hours before the deadline
by e-mail and request an extension – the teacher is under no obligation to grant an extension.
Any extension is at the total discretion of the teacher.
4. All essays set for homework will be handed in with an A2 Essay feedback sheet
5. If you miss any lessons, for whatever reason, it is your responsibility to catch up by reading the
textbook, using the Blog and getting copies of class-notes and hand-outs from classmates, before
the next lesson.
A2 Philosophy of Religion Workbook 2013
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A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
A2 Essay Feedback – Philosophy and Ethics
Student to complete the form and submit with the essay. Teacher then completes the bold boxes)
Student Name:
Date Set:
Deadline
Essay Title:
Targets for this task: (Remember to include the targets from your last piece of assessed
work)
1.
Targets met?
Yes
Partly
No
2.
Yes
Partly
No
3.
Yes
Partly
No
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding
Grade
Band
5 21-25
A 21
B 18
4 16-20
C 15
3 11-15
D 12
E 10
2 6-10
1 1-5
Descriptor
An excellent attempt to address the question showing understanding and engagement with the material;
very high level of ability to select and deploy relevant information, accurate use of technical terms.
Communication: answer is well constructed and organised
A good attempt to address the question, accurate knowledge, good understanding, good selection of
material, technical terms mostly accurate. Communication: generally clear and organised
A satisfactory attempt to address the question; some accurate knowledge, evidence of appropriate
understanding, some successful selection of material, some accurate use of technical terms.
Communication: some clarity and organisation
Focuses on the general topic rather than directly on the question; knowledge limited but partially accurate,
limited understanding evident through lack of examples/evidence etc, selection often inappropriate,
limited use of technical terms. Communication: some clarity and organisation
Almost completely ignores the question; little relevant material, some concepts inaccurate, shows little
knowledge of technical terms. Communication: often unclear or disorganised
AO2 – Analysis, evaluation and application
Grade
Band
5 9- 10
A8
B7
C6
D5
E4
4 7-8
3 5-6
2 3-4
1 1-2
Descriptor
An excellent attempt which uses a range of evidence to sustain an argument, comprehends the demands of
the question, shows understanding and critical analysis of different viewpoints.
Communication: answer is well constructed and organised
A good attempt at using evidence to sustain an argument, some successful and clear analysis, likely to put
more than one point of view. Communication: generally clear and organised
A satisfactory attempt, some successful analysis which may be implicit through choice of examples or
evidence. Communication: some clarity and organisation
Some attempt to sustain an argument, views asserted, limited analysis, but not successfully justified.
Communication: some clarity and organisation
Very little argument or justification of viewpoint, little or no successful analysis.
Communication: often unclear or disorganised
6.
Grade
A
B
C
D
E
Marks
28
25
21
18
14
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A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
Self-Assessment:
What mark would you allocate this work?
/25 +
/10 =
/35 =
%
What difficulties did you have completing it?
Do you think you met your previous targets?
How did you change your approach to ensure you achieved them?
Structure and organisation
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding
A02 – Analysis, evaluation and application
Overall Comment:
Mark: ___________ Grade: _________
To attain a higher mark you should:
Targets for next assessed task:
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A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
A2 Assessment Objectives and Mark Scheme
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding
Band Marks Descriptor
5
18-21
An excellent attempt to address the question showing understanding and engagement
with the material; very high level of ability to select and deploy relevant information, accurate use of technical terms. Communication: answer is well constructed and organised
4
14-17
A good attempt to address the question, accurate knowledge, good understanding, good
selection of material, technical terms mostly accurate. Communication: generally clear and
organised
3
10-13
A satisfactory attempt to address the question; some accurate knowledge, evidence of appropriate understanding, some successful selection of material, some accurate use of
technical terms. Communication: some clarity and organisation
2
6-9
Focuses on the general topic rather than directly on the question; knowledge limited but
partially accurate, limited understanding evident through lack of examples/evidence etc,
selection often inappropriate, limited use of technical terms. Communication: some clarity
and organisation
1
1-5
Almost completely ignores the question; little relevant material, some concepts inaccurate,
shows little knowledge of technical terms. Communication: often unclear or disorganised
AO2 – Analysis, evaluation and application
Band Marks Descriptor
5
12-14
An excellent attempt which uses a range of evidence to sustain an argument, comprehends
the demands of the question, shows understanding and critical analysis of different viewpoints Communication: answer is well constructed and organised
4
9-11
A good attempt at using evidence to sustain an argument, some successful and clear analysis, likely to put more than one point of view. Communication: generally clear and organised
3
7-8
The argument is sustained and justified, some successful analysis which may be implicit
through choice of material Communication: some clarity and organisation
2
4-6
An attempt to sustain an argument and justify a viewpoint, views asserted, some analysis,
but not successfully justified Communication: some clarity and organisation
1
1-3
Very little argument or justification of viewpoint, little or no successful analysis Communication: often unclear or disorganised
Grade Boundaries:
Grade Marks
Band
A01
A02
32
28
25
21
Band 5
Band 4
Band 4
Band 3
20
17
15
13
12
11
10
8
D 18
E 14
Band 3
Band 2
11
9
7
5
A*
A
B
C
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A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
Grade Descriptions
Below are the descriptions the exam board gives for what Grades A, C and E look like at A Level. This means
they are expecting this to be shown in your A2 exams.
GRADE A
Candidates demonstrate a comprehensive and almost totally accurate knowledge of the topics studied.
They use technical language and terminology accurately in a variety of contexts throughout their work.
They demonstrate a full understanding and analysis of the issues studied. They can compare, contrast and
evaluate the views of scholars and schools of thought, as well as offering personal insights and independent
thought. They make full and effective use of evidence to sustain an argument, anticipating and counteracting views to the contrary. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the connections between the areas
they have studied and their contribution to the nature of religion and aspects of human experience. There is
a maturity of approach, with sophisticated and elegant expression, construction, and quality of language,
which enables them to communicate with clarity.
GRADE C
Candidates recall, demonstrate and deploy a good and mainly accurate knowledge of the topics studied.
They use technical language and terminology accurately in a variety of contexts in much of their work.
They demonstrate some understanding with some analysis of the issues studied. They show some ability to
compare, contrast and evaluate the views of scholars and schools of thought, as well as offering some personal insights and independent thought, but not consistently. They make good use of evidence to sustain
an argument, sometimes anticipating and counteracting views to the contrary. They demonstrate some
understanding of the connections between the areas they have studied and their contribution to the nature
of religion and aspects of human experience. There is evidence of some maturity of approach, with fair expression, construction and quality of language, which enables them to communicate with some clarity.
GRADE E
Candidates recall, demonstrate and deploy a limited and partially accurate knowledge of the topics studied.
They use some technical language and terminology correctly in a variety of contexts in some of their work.
They demonstrate a limited understanding with minimal analysis of the issues studied. They attempt to
compare, contrast and evaluate the views of scholars and schools of thought, as well as offering personal
insights, but often do not do so convincingly. They make some use of evidence to sustain an argument,
rarely anticipating or counteracting views to the contrary, if at all. They demonstrate a very limited understanding of the connections between the areas they have studied and their contribution to the nature of
religion and aspects of human experience. There is little maturity of approach, with unsophisticated expression, weak construction and poor quality of language. They communicate with little clarity most of the
time.
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Revision
Score (10)
Notes
Learning Outcomes
Textbook
The Soul; Life after Death: A2 Philosophy Checklist 1
The Soul; Life after Death
Personal Identity
Monism and Materialism
Dualism
Plato
Dualism
Two Worlds
Soul (psyche) as a Form
Analogy of the Charioteer
Aristotle
3 Types of Soul – Vegetative, Animal and Human
The soul as “that which animates”
Humans possessing nous
Rene Descartes
Mind Body Dualism
Intermingling thesis
Criticisms of Gilbert Ryle
John Hick
Psycho-physical union or psycho-somatic union
Replica Theory
Similarities to René Descartes mental and physical matter
Richard Dawkins
Biological materialism: Genes and memes
“Soul” as mythological explanation
Soul 1 and Soul 2
Dawkins and Religion
Resurrection
Christianity: Spiritual resurrection as dualist concept
Christianity: Physical resurrection as a materialist concept
Christianity: Judgement
Heaven and Hell
Predestination & Divine Election
Islam, Day of Judgement and physical resurrection
John Hick and Replica Theory
Reincarnation
Atman and link to Brahman as ultimate reality for Hindus
Evidence in déjà vú
Disembodied existence
Plato and the Real World, and Material World as only apparent
Hinduism and moksha
H.H. Price – mediums and extra-sensory perception
Near Death Experiences (NDEs)
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Revision
Score (10)
Notes
Learning Outcomes
Textbook
A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
Bertrand Russell
Problem of Evil
Challenges to God as good
Hell and an omni-benevolent God
John Hick and universalism
Richard Dawkins, free will and the rejection of universalism
John Calvin, Divine Election and Predestination
Augustine and City of God – place of reward for those who choose God and regeneration
Link to the soul-deciding theodicy
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A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
Independent Essay: Due Date: Second week in September
Question
Critically assess Dawkins claim that since life is no more that DNA
reproducing itself there can be no life after death. (35 marks)
Assessment Criteria
AO1 – Knowledge and Understanding
 Candidates may begin this question by considering the main point itself, whether or not ‘life’ really is
no more that DNA reproducing itself.
 While some scientific definitions may be useful here, it is important that the main focus of the question is philosophical, candidates are unlikely to achieve well without this philosophical focus.
 Some candidates are likely to use the work of Richard Dawkins and may compare it to the views of
scientists such as Michael Behe.
 For good responses, it is also important that candidates consider the extent to which ideas about
‘life after death’ can be held philosophically.
AO2 – Analysis, Evaluation and Application
 Having outlined the various components of this discussion, candidates should be able to analyse in a
critical manner the positions held by the various scholars they have studied.
 For example how far is Dawkins position on DNA reproducing itself philosophically defensible? Do
the positions held by intelligent design scholars challenge those held by Dawkins and his supporters?
 Having analysed the validity of different academic positions, candidates may come to some conclusion as to whether or not we can hold views which justify belief in a life after death.
Essay Requirements
Roughly 1500 words.
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Reading List.
All books are available in the school library (but cannot be removed)
Initial and Background Reading
Author
Article
Book
Chris Eyre, et al.
pp. 90 to 97
OCR A2 Philosophy and Ethics
Mel Thompson
pp. 107 to 118
An Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics
Tyler and Reid
pp. 106 to 114
Advanced Religious Studies
Taylor, M
pp 237 to 273
OCR Philosophy of Religion for AS and A2
Richard Dawkins – Genes and Evolution
Article
Website
“Gene-centred view of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene-centered_view_of_evolution
evolution”
“The Selfish Gene”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Selfish_Gene
Michael Behe – Intelligent Design
Article
Website
“Intelligent Design”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent_design
“Darwin’s Black Box”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin%27s_Black_Box
Philosophers
Author
Article
Michael J. Behe
Book
Darwin’s Black Box
Richard Dawkins
“Doomed Rivals”
Richard Dawkins
“Explaining the Very Im- The Blind Watchmaker, Chapter 1, pp. 1 to 18
probable”
Plato
“Phadeo”
Available on Kindle (free)
Outline on the Blog
Classics of Western Philosophy, pp. 66 to 112
The Evolution of the Soul, pp. 145 to 203
John Hick
“Human Destiny”
Philosophy of Religion
Alister McGrath
“The Selfish Gene”
Dawkins’ God: Genes, Memes and the Meaning of Life
Jonathan Webber
“Why Believe in Life after Life After Death (Philosophy of Religion 6), pp. 13 to
Death?”
19
Jonathan Webber
“Is There any Evidence of Life After Death (Philosophy of Religion 6), pp. 33 to
Life After Death?”
41
Peter Vardy
“Eternal Life”
Richard Swinburne
The Blind Watchmaker, Chapter 11, pp. 287 to 318
The Puzzle of God, Chapter 18, pp. 218 to 234
Extension
Author
Article
Book
Simon Blackburn
“Knowledge”
“Mind”
“mind-body problem”
Think, pp 15-48
Think, pp 49-80
Oxford Companion to Philosophy,
pp. 579 to 580
Ted Honderich
George Graham
“Socrates and the Soul Philosophy Then and Now, pp. 15 to 38
of Death”
Jonathan Webber
Booklet
A2 Philosophy of Religion Workbook 2013
Life After Death
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A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
The issues in Body, Mind and Soul relates to what makes a human being a person. Is there a distinct “I”,
something which is more than just flesh and bone – are we, as humans, just walking chemical factories with
very advanced computers in our heads, or is there more than meets the eye?
Task 1: The Four Philosophers
Plato would certainly say that my physical self is in no way the “real” me – it is only the “apparent” me. Aristotle would say that something gives me a spark of life that transforms my “corpse” into a living person –
there is a “principle of life”. Descartes would argue, “I think therefore I am” – it is because I know that I
think, that I know that I exist. Hick builds upon Aristotle by believing that in order to survive death I have to
do it with a physical body as well as a thinking mind. Dawkins argues that the soul is a fallacy – an invention
of the primitive mind. There is no “magic” spark – we are an amazing collection of memories (memes) carried through our DNA and passed on through learning. There is no mystery – we are as we appear, but for
Dawkins that does not diminish the special nature of (human) life.
You will have to come to some conclusion over which thinker or thinkers you believe present the most convincing arguments over the existence or non-existence of the soul, and what kind of soul we, as humans,
might have. You should be able to describe each theory, and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each
argument.
Reading for Task 1:
A.
B.
C.
D.
OCR A2 Philosophy and Ethics (Chris Eyre, et al) Set Text
Understanding Philosophy of Reliigon (Libby Alhuwalia) Set Text
OCR Philosophy of Religion for AS and A2 (Taylor, M) Library
Advanced Religious Studies (Tyler and Reid) Library
pp 236 – 273
pp 106 - 114
Write down 3 bullet points and one quotation for each Philosopher




Plato (A. 90-91 / B. 107/ C. 241-245)
Aristotle (A. 94-95 / B. 107 / C. 245 - 247)
Richard Dawkins (A. 92-93 / B. 113)
John Hick (A. 96-97 / C. 251 – 15)
Task 2: Key Terms and other ideas
Reading for Task 2:
A.
B.
C.
D.
OCR A2 Philosophy and Ethics (Chris Eyre, et al)
An Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics (Thompson, M.)
Advanced Religious Studies (Tyler and Reid) (Library)
Could a Machine Think? The Philosophy Gym (Library)
pp 90 – 97
pp 107 – 113
pp 106 – 114
pp58 - 67
Answer the following questions:
Plato and Aristotle (107):
1.
2.
3.
4.
What is meant by the nous, psyche, sarx and soma?
How does Plato define the difference between soul, mind and body?
How is the mind different or similar to the soul?
Explain the origin of the word ‘animated’.
Descartes (110):
5. What does Descartes say on personal identity?
6. How does Descartes justify his viewpoint?
Finally:
7. Describe the difference between Materialist and Dualist ideas of the soul?
8. What do you think of the soul?
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Task 3: Richard Dawkins and Evolution
Reading for Task 3:
A.
B.
Richard Dawkins: The Blind Watchmaker, Chapter 11, pp 287 – 318. ‘Doomed Rivals (Library)
Richard Dawkins: The Blind Watchmaker, Chapter 1, pp 1 to 18. ‘Explaining the Very Improbable’ (Library)
Part 1: Answer the following questions:
1. What does Dawkins say in defence of Darwinian Evolution?
2. Which theories does Dawkins reject as alternatives? What reasons does he give for so doing?
3. What does Dawkins say about the role of the Divine in creation and the role of chance? What alternative does he ask us to consider?
Aiming for A:
Read: Richard Dawkins, River out of Eden, Chapter 4, pp 111 – 156 ‘God’s Utility Function’. (Library)
1. What is God’s Utility function?
Task 4: Countering Richard Dawkins
Reading for Task 4:
A.
Alister McGrath, Dawkins’ God: Genes, Memes and the Meaning of Life, pp 43 – 57 ‘ The Selfish Gene’
Reading for Task 4:
Richard Dawkins debates Alister McGrath: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LGm0iWPC80
Part 1: Answer the following questions:
1. How does Alister McGrath describe Richard Dawkins’ view of the theory of evolution? Why is this important?
2. Why is the rejection of teleology important for understanding Dawkins’ biological materialism?
3. Are we controlled by our genes? Why is this important?
4. What does it mean for us to “defy the selfish genes of our birth”?
5. Is Darwinism necessarily atheistic?
6. How does McGrath deal with Dawkins’ “illusion of design”?
7. What objections does McGrath bring to the Dawkins’ support of atheism?
8. How does McGrath show that “the scientific method alone cannot ultimately determine the God question”?
9. How successful do you think Alister McGrath is in challenging Richard Dawkins biological materialist and
atheistic understanding of personal identity?
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Task 5: Plato
Reading for Task 5:
A.
Plato, Phaedo, article on the Blog There is also a copy of the Book ‘Phaedo’ in the library if you are interested.
Part 1: Answer the following questions:
1. List 5 important facts you can learn about the soul from Phaedo.
2. What happened at the death of Socrates? Why did Socrates not fear death?
3. Explain the four arguments given by Socrates in Phaedo for the immortality of the soul? (Argument from
Opposites, Theory of Recollection, Affinity Argument, Argument from the theory of the Forms)
Task 6: John Hick
Reading for Task 6:
A.
John Hick, Philosophy of Religion ‘Human Destiny: Immortality and Resurrection’ (pp 120 – 129)
Answer the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
According to John Hick what is the traditional Western view of the body/soul dichotomy?
What criticism was given of the traditional Western view by Immanuel Kant?
What has been the predominant view in the 20th Century?
What are the differences between the Platonic ideas and the Judeo-Christian ideas of death?
What problem does John Hick see with the soma pneumatikon of St Paul?
How does the story of John Smith try to make clear Hick’s view of how resurrection might actually work?
How does the Bible help justify a belief in resurrection?
Does parapsychology help?
Task 7: Could a Machine Think?
Reading for Task 7:
A.
Stephen Law, The Complete Philosophy Files, pp 334 – 359 ‘Could a machine think’? The Philosophy Gym
http://stephenlaw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/could-machine-think.html
Answer the following questions:
1. Summarise in your own words the story of Kimberley and Emit. Make sure you emphasise the key
points made by Kimberley and Emit in their discussion.
2. What are the arguments given by Kimberley against Emit thinking?
3. What are the arguments given by Emit for Emit thinking?
4. Which argument against Emit thinking do you find most convincing? Why?
5. Which argument for Emit thinking do you find most convincing? Why?
6. Do you think Emit can think? Explain your answer.
7. Which philosophers could be used to support Kimberley’s opinion? Name them and give evidence.
8. Which philosophers could be used to support Emit’s opinion? Name them and give evidence.
9. Which philosophers could be used to support your opinion? Name them and give evidence.
Aiming for an ‘A’
Simon Blackburn has two brilliant chapters in his book ‘Think’ that explain Descartes Meditations and
the relationship between the mind and body concisely.
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Task 8: Compare, Contrast and Analyse
Part 1: Comparison
Complete the table overleaf, summarise each of the theories, write down similarities to other philosophers and
then write down differences to other philosophers.
If you prefer, you could create a mindmap.
Part 2: Arguments for and against dualism
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
What are the arguments for Dualism?
What are the arguments against Dualism?
Which argument for Dualism do you find most convincing? Why?
Which argument against Dualism do you find most convincing? Why?
What do you think about Dualism? Explain your answer.
Part 3: Problems with accounts of Life after death
Linda Badham, Problems with accounts of Life after death (available from the Blog)
a) Read and answer the questions at the end of the article.
Aiming for an ‘A’
Reading:
George Graham, Philosophy Then and Now, pp 15 – 38 ‘Socrates and the Soul of Death’
Answer the following questions:
1. How does Socrates describe the soul?
2. What survives death?
3. How does the soul escape science?
4. Explain how Socrates thought death could not hurt him?
5. How is it possible, if Socrates is correct that the soul survives bodily death to witness one’s own funeral?
Reading:
A J Ayer, Hume, A very short introduction ‘Bodies and Selves’
Answer the following questions:
1. What is referred to in “an unchanging item to which all these belong”?
2. What does “there is no impression constant and invariable” lead Hume to conclude? Why?
3. What is a “bundle or collection of different perceptions”?
4. Who could Hume be used as supporting evidence for? How and why?
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Task 8 Part 1 – Comparing and Contrasting
Philosopher
Dualist or
Materialist
Summary
Similarities to other philosophers
Plato
Aristotle
Descsartes
Hick
Dawkins
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Differences and from other philosophers
A2 Philosophy – The Soul; Life After Death Workbook
Task 9: Life after death
Reading for Task 9:
A.
B.
C.
Eyre, C. OCR A2 Philosophy and Ethics pp 100 – 107
Thompson, An Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics pp 115 – 118
Tyler and Reid, Advanced Religious Studies, ‘Human Destiny’
Part 1 – Describe in your own words, the different ideas on life after death:





Reincarnation
Rebecoming (Rebirth)
Disembodied Existence
Immortality of the Soul
Resurrection
Part 2– Using an A3 sheet of paper, draw a mindmap of the theories
Part 3 – Why believe in Life after Death
Reading for Task 9:3:
A.
B.
Webber, J., Life After Death (Philosophy of Religion 6) ‘Why Believe in Life after Death?’ 13-19
Webber, J. Life after Death (Philosophy of Religion 6) ‘Is there any evidence of Life after Death?’ 33 - 41
Answer the following questions:
A. Why believe in life after death?
1. What religious reasons are there for believing in life after death?
2. What argument is offered by Plato? What is the potential downfall of this argument?
3. How does Descartes justify the soul or mind being able to survive the death of the body?
4. Why does Hick think there must be life after death?
B. Is there any evidence of life after death?
1. How might remembering past lives be evidence for life after death?
2. How might Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) be evidence for life after death?
3. What do you think of the evidence for life after death? Why?
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Task 10: Theories of Life after Death
You need to understand each theory on life after death and be able to identify the logical basis for each and be
able to identify and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. You will eventual be asked to apply
this understanding to the problem of evil. To begin with you need to:
Reading for Task 10:
A.
Peter Vardy, The Puzzle of God, Chapter 18, pp218 to 234, ‘Eternal Life’
Part 1: Answer the following questions:
1. Do you think you will survive death? If so, in what form will you survive?
2. If you will survive death, how would you know if whatever it is that survives is you rather than a replica
of you?
3. If there is a life after death, what might it be like? Would a body be required?
4. If, after the death of your body, your brain was transplanted into a biological robot so that you could operate the robot’s body, would you have survived death?
5. If you were cloned, would the clone be you?
6. Can you experience eternal life in this life? If so, what would it mean?
Part 2: Complete the table overleaf, summarising the theories and putting in basic
evaluation of the theories.
Task 11: Compare and Contrast theories of life after death
You need to understand each theory on life after death and be able to identify the logical basis for each and be
able to identify and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. You will eventual be asked to apply
this understanding to the problem of evil. To begin with you need to:
Reading for Task 11:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Eyre, C. OCR Philosophy and Ethics, pp100 to 107
Thompson, M. An Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics pp 115 – 118
McGrath, The Christian Theology Reader, pp 537-538 , ‘Tertuallian on Hell and Heaven’
McGrath, The Christian Theology Reader, pp 649 to 650, ‘Origen on the Resurrection Body’
1: Answer the following questions: (A & B)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Compare and contrast Protestant and Catholic beliefs on resurrection. (A. 101)
Explain why there are problems for resurrection. (B. 118)
Explain why is the body important to resurrection? (A. 100-1 / B. 116-7)
Compare and contrast Reincarnation and Rebecoming (Rebirth). (A. 102-3 / B. 115)
Explain how and why there is a problem with Disembodied Existence. (A. 106-7 / B. 116)
Explain how the idea of immortality developed? (B. 116-7)
2: Tertullian (C)
1. What were the Elysian Fields? Which ancient civilisation envisaged their after life in this form?
2. What point does Tertullian make by referring to the Elysian Fields?
3: Origen (D)
1. What links are there between Origen’s idea of the resurrection body and the ideas of Plato?
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2. Why do you think Origen rejects “passion” from the spiritual body?
3. How does Origen understand the relation between our earthly and spiritual bodies?
4. How does personal merit affect what happens in the afterlife for Origen?
Task 12: Buddhism
Read and make notes on the following:
Life after Death, an Introduction:
http://www.thatreligiousstudieswebsite.com/Religious_Studies/Phil_of_Rel/Life_after_Death/life_after_death.p
hp
“Buddhism on life after death: An introduction:
http://www.thatreligiousstudieswebsite.com/Religious_Studies/World_Faith/Buddhism/life_death_buddhism.p
hp
Answer the following questions:
1. What do all the major world religions belief about life after death?
2. What do Christianity, Islam and Judaism have in common?
3. What do Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism have in common?
4. What is the difference between being re-born and being born-again?
5. What is Nirvana/Nibbana?
6. How is Nirvana/Nibbana achieved?
7. What is Anatta?
8. What is Karmic law?
9. What does the article say about believe in God and the after life?
Aiming for an ‘A’
Reading:
Swinburne, R. Evolution of the Soul, pp 298 to 313, ‘The future of the Soul’
Answer the following questions:
1. Is it possible to reactivate the brain?
2. How does parapsychology provide evidence for the survival of the soul?
3. What is the idea of “Natural Survival”?
4. Is the soul naturally embodied?
5. What is the issue with disembodied existence?
6. What conclusion does Swinburne come to?
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Task 10 – Theories of Life after Death
Religious Idea Personal Identity
or Theory
What survives death?
Evidence to support the theory
Reincarnation
Resurrection
Rebecoming
(Rebirth)
Immortality of
the Soul
Disembodied
Existence
Genes &
Memes
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Evidence against the theory
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