Euthanasia Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are the five theories on the value of life?
Sanctity of life, Quality of life, Autonomy, Situation ethics, Natural law
What are the four types of euthanasia?
Voluntary, Non-voluntary, Active, Passive
What is the Sanctity of Life view?
Life is sacred because it is a gift from God. Only God can end life.
What biblical evidence supports the Sanctity of Life?
Genesis: humans are made in God’s image; Exodus: ‘Thou shalt not kill’; Corinthians: the body is a temple.
How does Sanctity of Life apply to voluntary euthanasia?
It is morally wrong; only God has the authority to end life.
What is the weak Sanctity of Life view?
Sanctity of life is one biblical theme, but may be outweighed by compassion and love in extreme cases.
What is one evaluation of the weak sanctity view?
Compassion does not override absolute biblical laws; rules are not flexible guidelines.
What does the Quality of Life theory claim?
Life’s value depends on the balance of happiness over suffering.
What does Peter Singer argue about Sanctity of Life?
It’s outdated and should be replaced with preference satisfaction and happiness.
When is euthanasia justified according to Singer?
When the quality of life is low or non-existent.
What is Archbishop Fisher’s counter to Singer?
Euthanasia may pressure vulnerable people who feel like burdens to end their lives.
What is Pope Francis’ criticism of Canada’s euthanasia system?
It treats elderly and disabled as disposable.
What is the slippery slope argument?
Allowing euthanasia could lead to widespread and unethical uses.
What is Singer’s response to the slippery slope?
Data from Oregon shows no such trend; euthanasia use is stable and limited.
Why is the Nazi comparison not a good slippery slope example?
The Nazis started with their ideology; they didn’t slide into it.
What is Nozick’s view on autonomy?
People own their bodies and can do whatever they want, including choose euthanasia.
What is the issue with allowing absolute autonomy in euthanasia?
People may make irrational or emotional decisions they would regret.
How can autonomy be understood to avoid this issue?
It must be rational and based on long-term, informed interests.
What does Situation Ethics say about euthanasia?
It can be morally right if it maximizes agape (love).
What is W. Barclay’s critique of Situation Ethics?
People are not perfectly loving and may misuse power.
How do Fletcher and Robinson defend Situation Ethics?
Humanity has matured and can handle flexible ethical reasoning.
What does Natural Law say about euthanasia?
Euthanasia violates the divine and natural law to preserve life.
How does Natural Law relate to social harmony?
Violating natural law causes social disorder and disharmony.
What is the doctrine of double effect?
Doctors may allow death if the intention is not to kill (e.g., pain relief).
