Non-religious attitudes to human life
I can explain scientific views on the origins and value of human life.
Non-religious attitudes to human life
I can explain scientific views on the origins and value of human life.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Life began approximately 3.8 billion years ago, and modern humans appeared about 300,000 years ago.
- Species evolve via natural selection.
- Some see divine design in evolution, while others, such as Richard Dawkins, see natural selection.
- Laws regulate how animals are used.
- Peter Singer argues against speciesism and in favour of moral consideration of all sentient beings.
Keywords
Evolution - scientific theory describing the development of species from earlier less complex forms through a process of natural selection and survival of the fittest
Sentientism - the belief that moral consideration should be given to all beings that can experience pain or pleasure (sentient beings), regardless of their species
Speciesism - the belief that humans are superior to other animals, justifying their use for human benefit, seen by Peter Singer as morally equivalent to racism
Common misconception
All scientists reject the idea that God is involved in evolution.
Many scientists who accept the theory of evolution do not see it as incompatible with a belief in God. For example, some see evolution as the process through which God works, allowing for the possibility of divine involvement in the natural world.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Non-religious attitudes to human life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Non-religious attitudes to human life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Issues of life and death unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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