AQA-7061-1-RELIGIOUS STUDIES FINAL MARK SCHEME PAPER 1:Philosophy of Religion and Ethics-AS LEVEL-Jun24-v1.0

AQA-7061-1-RELIGIOUS STUDIES FINAL MARK SCHEME PAPER 1:Philosophy of Religion and Ethics-AS LEVEL-Jun24-v1.0. Question 1 0 1 . 1 Explain the relationship between reason and faith in arguments for the existence of God. [15 marks] Target: AO1.1: Knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching. Note: This content is indicative rather than prescriptive and students are not obliged to refer to all the material contained in this mark scheme. Any legitimate answer will be assessed on its merits according to the generic levels of response. The belief that ‘God exists’ is a reasonable hypothesis based on evidence, such as the observation of order and purpose in Paley’s analogical argument. Paley’s argument demonstrates how faith may be inspired by reasoning and observation of the universe and everything in it. Therefore, in some of the arguments for the existence of God reason is the basis of faith. The relationship between reason and faith can be understood as entirely separate in the arguments. For example, Price distinguishes between ‘belief that’ and ‘belief in’. He claims ‘belief that’ God exists may be discovered through reason. ‘Belief in’ God’s existence refers to faith, which Price notes is not discoverable through reason. Anselm’s demonstration that God exists as a result of logical analysis of the concept of God can show the idea of God is possible, but that argument itself Price claims is not faith nor leads to faith, it is simply acceptance of a logical assertion. Aquinas believed that faith was supported by reasoning, but did not result from reason and that faith was instead from God’s grace. In his Way 3 Aquinas argues that the logical solution to an infinite regression of necessary beings was an uncaused necessary being. This reasoning supports belief in the existence of an eternal creator God. In this argument for the existence of God, faith is complimented and supported by reason. [15 marks] AO1.1 000007 Page 7 of 14 RELIGIOUS STUDIES MARK SCHEME – AS RELIGIOUS STUDIES – 7061/1 – JUNE 2024 8 0 1 . 2 ‘Religious experiences have little influence on religious faith.’ Assess this view. [15 marks] Target: AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study. Note: This content is indicative rather than prescriptive and students are not obliged to refer to all the material contained in this mark scheme. Any legitimate answer will be assessed on its merits according to the generic levels of response. Note that answers may, but need not, be limited to the consideration of the following specification content: The influence of religious experiences and their value for religious faith. Answers may present, analyse and evaluate some of the following arguments: Religious experiences have little influence on religious faith because their status has been undermined by challenges from science. Some scientific studies argue that religious experiences have natural explanations rather than spiritual. However, despite scientific challenges, religious experiences still have influence on religious faith because they remain the foundations of many faiths, for example the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad. Religious experiences have little influence because they cannot be verified. Many philosophers argue that without verification experiences cannot be considered valuable, so are not serious sources of influence. However, religious experiences do have influence as sources of inspiration for pilgrimage in many faiths, for example the visions of Bernadette inspiring pilgrimage to Lourdes. For many believers, philosophical verification is irrelevant and so religious experiences remain influential. Religious experiences have little influence on religious faith because the experiences of people from different religions may seem to contradict each other with competing claims to truth. This appearance of contradiction may deter people from valuing religious experience. However, religious experiences remain so influential to those who experience them that they cause significant, measurable life changes. Therefore, religious experiences continue to have great influence on religious faith. [15 marks] AO2