Issues Of Good And Evil Flashcards
(43 cards)
Good
That which is considered morally right and to our advantage
Evil
That which is considered extremely immoral, wicked and wrong
Forgiveness
To grant pardon for an wrong doing, to give up resentment and the desire to seek revenge against a wrongdoer
Free will
The ability to make choices voluntarily and independently
The belief that nothing is predetermined
Justice
Fairness
Where everyone has equal provisions and opportunity
Molarilty
Principles and standards determining which actions are right or wrong
Punishment
A penalty given to someone for a crime or wrong they have done
Sin
Deliberate immoral action, breaking a religious or moral law
Suffering
Pain or distress caused by injury, illness or loss
Suffering can be physical, emotional and psychological or spiritual
Absolute morality
When a person has a principle e.g. that it’s wrong to steal, and will never alter their views no matter what the circumstances are
Relative morality
When a person holds a moral principle e.g.not taking a life, but adapts it according to situations
Causes of crime
Alcohol and drug abuse Poverty Parental neglect Low self esteem Pressures from society Pressure from media Pressure from peers Pressures from personal life The presence of evil and sin within the human world
Six main aims of punishment
Retribution Reparation Reformation Protection Vindication/justice Deterrence
Retribution
Getting revenge on the person who committed the crime
They suffer like they made others suffer
Reparation
Repairing the damage done through crime
Community clean up schemes for vandals etc.
Reformation
Trying to ensure the criminal is helped to change their approach and way in life
Rehabilitate offenders
Protection
Aims to protect more people from becoming victims of crime
Prisons prevent innocent people from suffering since they’re containing criminals
Justice/vindication
Through effective punishment the government and the law can prove that it deserves respect and should be followed
Deterrence
To try and deter people from committing crimes, because they know what the punishment is and know it will be given to those caught committing a crime
Main purpose of death penalty
Christina beliefs and teachings about the aims of punishment
Believe that everyone was created with free choice to accept or reject gods ways
If people do sin or commit crimes then justice must follow, but Jesus also taught the importance of forgiveness
Most believe that to gain justice, punishment should be given and forgiveness sought
Most Christians believe that’s t the end of life god will be the final judge
Jesus taught compassion and not revenge
Most christians suggest reform and forgiveness as the ideal approach
Buddhist beliefs and teachings about the aims of punishment
A sinful or wrong act can produce bad karma which might result in rebirth in the hell states
Support should be given to help people out of a negative karmic cycle
Christian responses to the death penalty (against)
Most believe only god has the right to take a life
Thou shall not kill
Jesus taught that if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also
Jesus started ‘love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you’
Many see the above two as arguments that go against the old testaments’ “an eye for an eye”
Some would argue that the golden rule (of doing to others what you want them to do to you) conflicts with he taking of life through the death penalty
Quakers have campaigned against the death penalty for nearly 200 years because they believe all human life should be respected
Possibility they’re innocent
Inhumane
Could be painful
Easy way out- you suffer in prison
Makes you as bad as the murderer
Christian responses to the death penalty (for)
Some believe the death penalty is in keeping with the Old Testament “an eye for an eye” and genesis “whoever sheds the blood of a man, by man shall his blood be shed”
The death penalty is administered by the authorities and not carried out in anger by an individual, and that it is designed to maintain law and order
Some also argue that failure to show the seriousness of certain crimes leads to criminals not fearing serious punishment so being more prone to commit serious crime
Prevents prisons from getting too full
Prevents them from being let out of prison early and committing the crime again
Cheaper than keeping someone in prison
Buddhist responses to the death penalty (against)
It’s unnecessary because the person violating the law will bear the karmic consequences
The Dalai Lama signed the Amnesty International pledge against the death penalty, believing that it punishes the person not the action
First precept stresses the importance of not taking life
