MATSEC SEC Ethics study plan
MATSEC SEC Ethics · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Ethics
Define the core vocabulary of moral philosophy (normative ethics, metaethics, applied ethics) and write one-sentence definitions in your own words for each term
Distinguish descriptive, normative and metaethical claims by classifying a set of twenty statements you write yourself
Outline the structure of a moral argument (premises, conclusion, hidden assumption) and reconstruct three short arguments from scratch
Set up a dated revision log and a one-page glossary template you will update every week
Your checkpoint
A one-page glossary of at least 25 key terms with your own definitions plus three reconstructed moral arguments annotated for premises and conclusions
Ethics
Explain consequentialist reasoning and apply a utilitarian calculus to two realistic dilemmas you invent
Compare act and rule utilitarianism and state one objection to each in your own words
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of consequentialism in a written comparison table
Practise writing a balanced exam paragraph that presents a theory and then critiques it
Your checkpoint
A 400-word comparative essay on act versus rule utilitarianism that includes at least two objections and one defended response
Ethics
State Kant's categorical imperative in both formulations and apply each to a concrete case
Distinguish acting from duty versus acting in accordance with duty using examples you construct
Explain the role of autonomy, universalisability and respect for persons in deontological reasoning
Contrast deontology with consequentialism on at least three specific points of disagreement
Your checkpoint
A worked case analysis of one dilemma from both a utilitarian and a Kantian perspective, ending with a justified verdict
Ethics
Explain virtue ethics through eudaimonia, the golden mean and practical wisdom
Apply the doctrine of the mean to three character traits and identify the corresponding vices of excess and deficiency
Compare virtue ethics with the two theories already studied and evaluate one major criticism of each
Draft exam-style answers under timed conditions to build speed
Your checkpoint
A timed 45-minute practice answer comparing all three theories on a single applied issue, self-marked against a checklist you write
Ethics
Explain the fact-value distinction and the is-ought problem and illustrate each with your own example
Summarise emotivism, prescriptivism and moral realism, and state one objection to each
Distinguish cognitivism from non-cognitivism and classify the metaethical theories accordingly
Explain what moral relativism claims and evaluate two objections to it
Your checkpoint
A two-column table classifying at least six metaethical positions by cognitivism, truth-aptness and source of moral authority, with a short objection noted for each
Ethics
Apply the studied theories to at least three applied areas such as euthanasia, animal ethics, poverty relief or environmental ethics
Identify the concepts of moral status, personhood and moral responsibility and use them correctly in written answers
Construct counterarguments to your own conclusions and respond to them
Practise structuring long answers with a clear introduction, argument, counterargument and conclusion
Your checkpoint
Two full essay plans on different applied topics, each with a thesis, three developed arguments and one anticipated objection with a response
Ethics
Consolidate the whole syllabus into a single concept map linking theories, key thinkers and objections
Answer past-paper-style questions under strict timing and mark them against assessment criteria you extract yourself
Target your three weakest topics with focused re-reading and rewritten summary notes
Memorise quotation-ready definitions and named objections for use under exam pressure
Your checkpoint
A complete concept map of the syllabus plus two timed essays marked with a written diagnosis of your three weakest areas
Ethics
Revise only from your own glossary, concept map and marked essays rather than rereading notes passively
Rehearse full exam conditions twice, including planning time and checking time
Drill your weakest areas identified in week 7 until you can explain each aloud without notes
Finalise an exam-day strategy covering question choice, timing per mark and paragraph structure
Your checkpoint
Two full mock papers completed under timed conditions with a one-page exam strategy sheet and a final self-assessment against every syllabus topic
Milestones
Week 2: You can define 25 core terms from memory and reconstruct a moral argument without prompts
Week 4: You can compare consequentialism, deontology and virtue ethics on a new case and defend a verdict in timed conditions
Week 6: You can classify metaethical theories and apply at least three theories to two applied issues with counterarguments
Week 8: You score consistently on two timed mocks and can explain every syllabus topic aloud from your own notes