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SingaporeGeneral Paper

Ethics and Society

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is punishment for, and how should a just society respond to crime?

Evaluate the aims of punishment and competing approaches to justice, weighing retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation and protection
A focused answer to the General Paper theme of crime and justice. Balanced arguments on the aims of punishment, retribution versus rehabilitation, deterrence and the death penalty debate, with examples for any related question.
9 min answer →

Is meritocracy a fair way to organise society, or does it disguise and entrench inequality?

Evaluate meritocracy and competing ideals of equality, weighing reward for effort and ability against equal opportunity and outcomes
A focused answer to the General Paper theme of equality and meritocracy. Balanced arguments on meritocracy's fairness and flaws, equality of opportunity versus outcome, and social mobility, with Singapore examples.
9 min answer →

As family and social structures change, what is gained, what is lost, and what should the state do about it?

Evaluate how changing family structures and social values affect society, and the role of the state and individuals in responding
A focused answer to the General Paper theme of family and social change. Balanced arguments on changing family structures, ageing, gender roles and the state's role, with Singapore examples for any related question.
9 min answer →

Should we pursue everything we are capable of, or do some advances demand ethical restraint?

Evaluate whether scientific and technological progress should be ethically constrained, weighing the drive to advance against moral limits
A focused answer to the General Paper theme of the ethics of progress. Balanced arguments on whether 'can' implies 'should', the precautionary principle, who decides on limits, and ethics keeping pace with technology, with examples.
9 min answer →

Where should the freedom of the individual end and the legitimate claims of society begin?

Evaluate the proper limits of individual freedom, weighing personal liberty against harm to others and the good of society
A focused answer to the General Paper theme of individual freedom. Balanced arguments on liberty versus the good of society, the harm principle, paternalism, and where the line falls, with Singapore and global examples.
9 min answer →