2023 VJC GP Prelim P2 Answer Scheme

1 2023 GP Prelim Paper 2 Answer Scheme 1. Why are people today shocked by the ‘beliefs and practices of our ancestors’ (line 1)? Use your own words as far as possible. [2] From the text Suggested answer When we look back at the beliefs and practices of our ancestors, we are often shocked at what they found morally acceptable: the public torture of criminals, the trading of slaves, and the subjugation of women. People today are deeply surprised because: (Reason – inferred) a. the beliefs and practices of our ancestors seem unconscionable/ unethical (to us today) OR b. (we feel) the actions of the past were fundamentally/extremely wrong. (Context) c. because of the way they treated certain members of society / fellow human beings, was inhumane/ cruel, degrading and lacking in respect. Item a or b – 1 mark Item c – 1 mark Note: Paraphrasing “the public torture of criminals… of women” acceptable as item c. 2. Explain the phrase ‘greater scepticism’ (line 4) and what it suggests about our current morals and beliefs. [2] From the text Suggested answer The history of moral change – change in what is, and is not, considered morally acceptable – encourages greater scepticism about our current moral beliefs and practices. We might like to think we have arrived at a state of great moral enlightenment, but there is reason to believe that further moral revolutions await. (Explain the phrase) a. as we are more inclined to raise questions about / doubt / distrust / view with suspicion our current moral beliefs and practices. [1] (Context) b. The phrase suggests that moral standards are not fixed / open to change / in a state of flux / evolving (over time). [1]

2 3. How does the example of the Greek city-states show that morality is ‘much less certain’ (line 14)? Use your own words as far as possible. [2] From the text Suggested answer Denizens of the seafaring, trade- dependent Greek city-states which were culturally diverse were much less certain about moral concepts and ideas and had to reshape their moral practices to accommodate new social realities. (context – inferred) a. The Greeks had a more open society or interacted with more people/ people from different backgrounds [1] (evidence) b. resulting in morality changing with the changing environment OR resulting in them having to adapt to current practices and experiences of a society OR resulting in the change of moral values to suit the current situation. [1] 4. How does technology change ‘moral beliefs and practices’ (line 20)? Use your own words as far as possible. [2] From the text Suggested paraphrase Technologies give us new powers and choices, altering the weighing of costs and benefits as we make decisions. Technology gives us… a. novel capacities / abilities and b. options. These have changed the way we c. consider/compare/evaluate the trade- offs/ price we h