GCSE: Philosophy

Conclusion analysis

Good conclusions usually refer back to the question or title and address it directly - for example by using key words from the title.
How well do you think these conclusions address the title or question? Answering these questions should help you find out.

1. Do they use key words from the title or question?
2. Do they answer the question directly?
3. Can you work out the question or title just by reading the conclusion?

• What makes a person and to what extent can animals be persons?

  "In conclusion, the Genesis story, as well as many other tales reveal, concepts of humanity give us a special entitlement on the earth. Intelligence and choice allow us to accomplish Godâs goal to tend to the earth and rule over it. The rift between man and beast is wide; we vary on many planes that all branch out of these two factors. We worry because we have the freedom of choice. We get out of shape and become lazy because our innovations and inventions allow us to live a life where survival is not a goal. Mankind is special as Genesis reveals."

• "Describe and evaluate Emotivism, showing knowledge of its key thinkers and critics?"

  "In conclusion, Emotivism is a theory where moral judgements are used to express our emotions. Many philosophers feel differently about why we make moral statements, and in essence a statement is not meaningful, unless it can be verified by our sense perceptions. By analysing the views and opinions of the philosophers, a sound and concise evaluation has been produced."

• What are the main features of classical utilitarianism? Assess the strengths and weaknesses of classical utilitarianism.

  "The whole aim of utilitarianism is to produce the greatest good for the greatest number and it is true that the majority of pleasure is followed. This is a suitable conclusion in many situations but we have to consider whether this is always a good thing. W.D.Ross considered the duties he thought should be put beside happiness such as fidelity, justice, beneficence, self-improvement and nonmalificence. It is also not always beneficial to have constant majority rule as this excludes many minorities such as pressure groups like Greenpeace or previously the Suffragettes. It also excludes disabled people and could lead to eugenics as initiated by Hitler as he ethnically cleansed Germany of all Jews and other minorities. Hannah Fleming L6E 6.10.03"