AQA A-Level Philosophy Paper 1 Revision Guide
Topics: Epistemology and Moral Philosophy
Introduction and Key Terms
Epistemology
Definition: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge: what it is,
how it is acquired, and how we can differentiate between true knowledge and mere belief.
Justified True Belief (JTB): A traditional definition of knowledge that states a
person knows a proposition if:
o The proposition is true.
o The person believes it.
o The person is justified in believing it.
Empiricism: The view that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience.
Associated with Locke, Berkeley, and Hume.
Rationalism: The belief that reason and innate ideas form the foundation of
knowledge. Key figures: Descartes, Leibniz, Plato.
Skepticism: The philosophical view that knowledge (or certain knowledge) may be
impossible.
Moral Philosophy
Definition: Moral philosophy (ethics) is the study of moral values, principles, and problems.
Utilitarianism: A consequentialist theory where right actions are those that maximize
happiness or pleasure for the greatest number.
Deontology: An ethical theory asserting that actions are morally obligatory regardless
of consequences; most notably, Kant's categorical imperative.
Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the development of good character traits (virtues), rooted
in Aristotle’s philosophy.
Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
Epistemology
1. What are the three components of the tripartite theory of knowledge?
2. Differentiate between 'know-how', 'know-that', and 'acquaintance knowledge'.
3. Explain the problem of induction as formulated by Hume.
, 4. What is the difference between direct and indirect realism about perception?
5. What is a Gettier problem, and why is it significant for JTB?
6. Explain Locke’s distinction between primary and secondary qualities.
Moral Philosophy
7. What is the hedonic calculus? Who proposed it?
8. Define Kant’s first formulation of the categorical imperative.
9. What is a virtue, according to Aristotle?
10. Explain the Euthyphro dilemma and its challenge to Divine Command Theory.
11. What does Mill mean by ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ pleasures?
12. How does Aristotle define the function of a human being?
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who is associated with foundationalism in epistemology?
A. Hume
B. Descartes
C. Mill
D. Locke
2. Which of the following is a feature of Kantian ethics?
A. Utilitarian calculus
B. Doctrine of the mean
C. Universalisability principle
D. Pleasure maximization
3. Which philosopher rejected the existence of material substance?
A. Locke
B. Berkeley
C. Hume
D. Descartes
4. Which ethical theory allows for ‘supererogatory acts’ (above and beyond duty)?
Topics: Epistemology and Moral Philosophy
Introduction and Key Terms
Epistemology
Definition: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge: what it is,
how it is acquired, and how we can differentiate between true knowledge and mere belief.
Justified True Belief (JTB): A traditional definition of knowledge that states a
person knows a proposition if:
o The proposition is true.
o The person believes it.
o The person is justified in believing it.
Empiricism: The view that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience.
Associated with Locke, Berkeley, and Hume.
Rationalism: The belief that reason and innate ideas form the foundation of
knowledge. Key figures: Descartes, Leibniz, Plato.
Skepticism: The philosophical view that knowledge (or certain knowledge) may be
impossible.
Moral Philosophy
Definition: Moral philosophy (ethics) is the study of moral values, principles, and problems.
Utilitarianism: A consequentialist theory where right actions are those that maximize
happiness or pleasure for the greatest number.
Deontology: An ethical theory asserting that actions are morally obligatory regardless
of consequences; most notably, Kant's categorical imperative.
Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the development of good character traits (virtues), rooted
in Aristotle’s philosophy.
Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
Epistemology
1. What are the three components of the tripartite theory of knowledge?
2. Differentiate between 'know-how', 'know-that', and 'acquaintance knowledge'.
3. Explain the problem of induction as formulated by Hume.
, 4. What is the difference between direct and indirect realism about perception?
5. What is a Gettier problem, and why is it significant for JTB?
6. Explain Locke’s distinction between primary and secondary qualities.
Moral Philosophy
7. What is the hedonic calculus? Who proposed it?
8. Define Kant’s first formulation of the categorical imperative.
9. What is a virtue, according to Aristotle?
10. Explain the Euthyphro dilemma and its challenge to Divine Command Theory.
11. What does Mill mean by ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ pleasures?
12. How does Aristotle define the function of a human being?
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who is associated with foundationalism in epistemology?
A. Hume
B. Descartes
C. Mill
D. Locke
2. Which of the following is a feature of Kantian ethics?
A. Utilitarian calculus
B. Doctrine of the mean
C. Universalisability principle
D. Pleasure maximization
3. Which philosopher rejected the existence of material substance?
A. Locke
B. Berkeley
C. Hume
D. Descartes
4. Which ethical theory allows for ‘supererogatory acts’ (above and beyond duty)?
