Starter quiz
- Match the disciplinary keywords to the correct definition.
- religion⇔a set of attitudes, beliefs and practices ✓
- psychology⇔the scientific study of the mind and behaviour ✓
- philosophy⇔the study of questions about existence, knowledge, and values ✓
- Match the keywords below to the correct definitions.
- behaviour⇔how someone acts, the things they do ✓
- belief⇔an acceptance that something is true without having to have proof ✓
- belonging⇔being part of something bigger than yourself ✓
- Which part of the brain processes speech, memories and emotions?
- 'Temporal lobe' ✓
- Which of the following statements are true?
- There is a gene or section of the brain responsible for religious belief.
- Genetics and the brain may play a significant part in religious belief. ✓
- Nobody has ever studied the link between the brain and belief.
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- Which statement provides a reason why religion could be seen as a result of human nature?
- a religious upbringing can encourage children to be part of a religion
- there are a huge variety of religions across the world
- humans naturally ask big questions about life, which religions can answer ✓
- there are some people who aren't religious at all
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- Which statement provides a reason why religion could be seen as a result of human nurture?
- humans have evolved to accept religious ideas
- humans naturally ask big questions, which religions can answer
- every human culture has some aspects of religion within it
- there is a huge variety in religious beliefs across the world ✓
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Exit quiz
- Match the keywords below to the correct definitions.
- elected officials⇔individuals chosen by the people to implement the general will ✓
- general will⇔the collective will of the people, focused on what is best for society ✓
- the social contract⇔the idea that people must give up some freedoms for a just society ✓
- Which of the following statements is true?
- Rousseau’s social contract is an actual written agreement signed by people.
- The social contract is a philosophical concept, not a real document. ✓
- All governments stick to the social contract.
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- Which of the below is a strength of Rousseau’s social contract and general will theories?
- it will benefit everyone in the long-run ✓
- it is easy to work out what will benefit people in the long-run
- it guarantees equality
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- Which of the following is a weakness of Rousseau’s social contract and general will theories?
- society becomes unequal and chaotic
- people have different needs so there will be resentment ✓
- it’s impossible to do
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- Which of the following statements best explain Rousseau’s view on the role of elected officials?
- they must only focus on the majority vote, regardless of the common good
- they should represent the general will and act for the common good ✓
- they must follow the law and serve at the will of the people ✓
- they should ignore laws that conflict with their personal interests
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Rousseau's main work was called 'The Social Contract.
- This sets out his beliefs about human goodness and how society should be run.
- He argues that people are free when governed by their own laws, serving the interest of the greater good.
- Rousseau believed in elected officials carrying out the will of the people.
- We can use critical thinking to analyse Rousseau’s idea of a social contract.
Common misconception
Rousseau’s social contract is an actual written agreement signed by people.
The social contract is a philosophical concept, not a real document, representing an idea about how societies are formed and governed.
Keywords
Elected officials - according to Rousseau, individuals chosen by the people to implement the general will
The general will - the collective will of the people, focused on what is best for society as a whole, and not individual desires
'the social contract' - Rousseau's 1762 book and idea that individuals must give up some freedoms to form a just society, with laws reflecting the common good
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