Category: Revision

2002

a) Compare and contrast arguments for and against belief in life after death. [10]

b) Define one of the following and evaluate its distinctive contributions to debates about life after death:

(i) reincarnation

(ii) rebirth

(iii) resurrection

(iv) immortality [10]

2000 Specimen paper

a) Analyse the differences between survival of the disembodied soul and belief in resurrection. [12]

b) Assess which of these two beliefs might provide the stronger philosophical basis for a belief in life after death. [8]

2003

a) Compare and contrast TWO of the following:

(i) reincarnation

(ii) rebirth

(iii) resurrection

(iv) immortality [12]

b) Consider critically arguments against belief in life after death. [8]

2005

Compare, contrast and discuss two of the following terms:

1. reincarnation
2. rebirth
3. resurrection
4. immortality of the soul [20]

2004

‘There are sound arguments for believing in life after death.’

Analyse and evaluate this claim with reference to one or more of the following terms

(i) reincarnation

(ii) rebirth

(iii) resurrection

(iv) immortality of the soul [20]

2006

Differentiate between and consider critically two of the following:

(i) reincarnation

(ii) rebirth

(iii) resurrection

(iv) immortality of the soul [20]

• Mind and matter separate – dualism
• Not separate – monism
• Plato – soul (psyche) trapped in body (soma) at birth released upon death
• What is soul?
  • immortal
    
  • function is to do well – to attain higher plane of existence
    
  • partly divine and can recognise the divine
    
  • Soul three parts – (i) honourable (ii) selfish (iii) the arbiter!
    
  • essential I
    
  • ultimate cause of voluntary actions or decisions
    
  • it is what animates; the difference between the living and the dead person
    
• Descartes – Res cogitans and Res extensa
• Identity theory – memory, pain personality all just physical processes in the brain – excitation of neurons!
• But doesn’t explain creativity, morality
• Soul is an example of one of Plato’s ideal forms
• Proof of the existence of a higher plane. But in his view there was no deity to placate or be good for – just the good of one’s own soul.