AQA A-Level Philosophy | Paper 2 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Question 1, 2 & 3 Mark Scheme
Question 1
What does Paley mean by something in the natural world being organised for a purpose?
[3 marks]
What is expected
This is a 3-mark AO1 definition/explanation question. The student needs a short, precise account of what Paley means by parts being organised for a purpose. There is no need to explain or evaluate the whole design argument.
AQA specifies Paley's argument as an argument from spatial order/purpose, where parts found in nature appear to be organised to perform a particular function.
Levels of response
Mark | Descriptor |
3 | A full and precise explanation of the idea, with little or no irrelevant material. |
2 | Substantively correct, but lacking some precision or development. |
1 | Contains a relevant point but gives only a partial or unclear account. |
0 | Nothing worthy of credit. |
Indicative content
A full answer is likely to explain that:
the parts or components of something are arranged or ordered in relation to one another
those parts work together towards a particular function, end or purpose
this is a form of spatial order, sometimes described as parts being "organised for a purpose"
an example could be used, such as the parts of the eye being organised in a way that enables sight
for Paley, this purposive organisation provides the basis for an inference to design and therefore a designer
The final point about a designer is relevant but not essential for full marks if the meaning of being organised for a purpose has already been explained precisely.
Example answer
Paley means that the different parts of something in nature are arranged so that they work together to perform a particular function. For example, the different parts of the eye work together to enable sight. This organisation of parts towards an end is a form of spatial order.
Likely mark: 3/3
Example examiner commentary
This is a strong response because it identifies both essential elements: the organisation of parts and their organisation towards a function or end. The example of the eye illustrates the concept rather than replacing the explanation.
AQA's 2023 examiner report made a very similar point about a 3-mark design-argument question. Full-mark responses identified the distinctive feature of the particular concept, whereas students who wrote only generic material about order or design tended to lose marks. Extra relevant context could be credited, but was not necessary.
A weaker answer such as "Paley thinks nature has order, so God designed it" would probably not reach full marks. It gives the conclusion of the design argument but does not precisely explain what organised for a purpose means.
Question 2
How does the paradox of the stone present an issue for the coherence of divine omnipotence?
[5 marks]
What is expected
This is a 5-mark AO1 explanation question. The student should explain the reasoning of the paradox step by step and make clear why either possible answer appears to place a limit on God's power. Evaluation of whether the paradox ultimately succeeds is not required.
The paradox is explicitly included by AQA as an argument concerning the coherence of omnipotence.
Levels of response
Mark | Descriptor |
5 | Full, clear and precise explanation. The reasoning is logically connected and focused on the question. |
4 | Clear and substantially complete, but with some minor imprecision, omission or redundancy. |
3 | The central reasoning is present, but explanation or logical connection is underdeveloped. |
2 | One or two relevant points, but the paradox is incomplete or unclear. |
1 | A fragment of relevant knowledge with little explanatory structure. |
0 | Nothing worthy of credit. |
Indicative content
Students may explain:
omnipotence means being all-powerful, commonly understood as having the power to do anything that is logically possible
the paradox asks whether God could create a stone so heavy that God could not lift it
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