OCR AS Philosophy & Ethics: Official Thread for May/June 2016

How would you answer a 25 marker on gaunilos challenge to ontological argument ... I know of some points but not enough for A part question

Explain onto first; specifically Anselms, then go into the criticisms

If anyone needs anything else i've literally got a PP with 'nearly' everything for AS Philosophy on so...

last min qs:
What are the key things to write in part A and B
Do we get marked down for not mentioning philosophers in part a, suppose if it asked to explain a theodicy?
Are you going to spend 5 mins to plan before answering?
How much should be written for each question?

Hey! 1). Part A is about displaying KNOWLEDGE. The examiner does NOT want you to evaluate here. This is where you express and express the main points of a concept or a system of thinking etc. Part B questions are where you are called to analyse. Express strengths and weaknesses and do expand, don't just bullet point. You get marks for building a coherent answer! 2). I couldn't say for sure. I would definitely recommend having philosophers as you need them especially in the analysis. Some key ones could be Hume, Aristotle, Plato, Kant, GAUNILO (you need him, Plantinga and Anselm to explain the Onto argument!), Brian Davies, Iranaeus, Freud, Augustine.... Honestly you do need them. Pick out a few and memorise some key parts. However, if it is Part A question, you could probably get away with just mentioning the main philosopher. it depends what the questions calls for basically 3). I would. Perhaps not five minutes. I like to quickly jot down a word or two for each paragraph so I don't lose my trail of thought and go blank. Just to keep my sanity, reminding yourself that you know your stuff is comforting!4). How much is written for each question really does vary. People have different sized handwriting and speeds of writing so you can't really say. It should be an intro/conclusion plus about 3/4 (try to get four in!) paragraphs for the 25mk and about 3 strengths contrasted with 3 weaknesses for the 10mk!Hope you read this in time, good luck!!!!!

That was immense! Plato STILL hasn't come up!!!! I did Kant and Anselm.... However in the Anselm one I did two paras on his arguments then a third on Descartes.. Will I get marks for mentioning Descartes even tho the Q was asking to explain Anselm's attempt to demonstrate God's existence?! I hope so cause I had nothing else to write lol

I really liked the questions apart from that fourth one about Irreducible Complexity, the length of the the question was an essay itself! Hope the exam went well for everyone

Omg where can i access the powerpoint???