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Issues of Human Life and Death Flashcards

(100 cards)

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1
Q

what are the 6 human issues of life and death

A
  1. theft
  2. lying
  3. abortion
  4. embryo research
  5. euthanasia
  6. capital punishment
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2
Q

what is wrong with lying

A

deliberately deceives people
causes trouble for themselves and others
loss of trust
dishonest act
bad impact on relationships
disorders society

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3
Q

what are some ways you could justify lying

A

-avoid unnecessary conflict
-preserve privacy
-protect others/ their feelings
-some lies are worse than others
-consequence of truth is worse than the lie

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4
Q

what is an example where lying was justified

A

Corrie Ten Boom:
-In WW2 she hit Jews in her family home in the Netherlands from the Nazis
-she lied about hiding 6 people then we was arrested and taken to a concentration camp in Germany
-the 6 people were not found by the Nazis

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5
Q

what does NML think about lying

A

lying breaks 4 primary precepts
also breaks one of the 10 commandments to give false testimony against a neighbour so it breaks divine law

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6
Q

what did Aquinas think about lying

A

all forms of lying is wrong even if intended to save a life
but “prudently keeping back the truth” is morally permissible

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7
Q

what is a quote from summa Theologica about lying

A

“every lie is a sin”

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8
Q

what is a quote from Aquinas about a non-malicious lie

A

“in exodus it said that the midwives of Egypt lied to pharaoh and said all the Israelite first borns had been killed when they hadn’t”

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9
Q

what is a quote from Hoose about proportionality in relation to Aquinas irrationality

A

“what the proportionalisms have done is point out the inconsistency and invalidity of such thinking”

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10
Q

what do proportionalists think about lying

A

the intention is the moral agent, the value of the good effect should be weighed against the value of a bad effect
They would allow lying if there was a proportionate reason to do so

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11
Q

what are two exceptions where proportionalists would allow lying

A

-in the case of a necessary lie, the intention would be to save a lie or protect from harm
-the value of saving a life or protection someone is greater them the injustice of telling them the lie

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12
Q

what 4 primary precepts does lying break

A

preserve life
order in society
worship god
educate the young

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13
Q

what would situation ethics think about lying

A

lying is neither intrinsically right or wrong
depends on what the most loving course of action is
we should make an agapeic calculus and also examine what best serves the 4 working principles

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14
Q

what is a quote from situation ethics that could apply to lying

A

“relatives the absolute, does not absolute the relative”

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15
Q

what would virtue ethics think about lying

A

-lying is a vice not a virtue (truthfulness is a virtue)
-people are truthful in a eudaimonia society
-a virtuous person can use the virtue of practical wisdom know know which virtue takes priority in a situation (e.g. compassion vs truthfulness)

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16
Q

why is theft bad

A

seen as a dishonest act
disorders society, society is effectively contractual if you don’t steal from me I won’t steal from you
if these rules are not upheld it will lead to chaos

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17
Q

exatmple of how theft can have a devastating effec

A

in a poor country one farmer steals from another, this can jeopardise the livelihood of the other farmer

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18
Q

why is justice important for humans to uphold

A

humans are set apart from animals in our ability to act rationally, so we should uphold justice. we were meant to look after the planet and care for people with the God given dignity they deserve

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19
Q

what is a quote from the Bible about justice

A

“bring about justice and righteousness”-Jeremiah
“love thy neighbour”

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20
Q

which primary precepts does theft break

A

worship God
order in society

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21
Q

what is a quote from Aquinas where he justifies theft

A

“if the need is so urgent, then it’s lawful for a man to succour his own need by means of another mans property, by taking it either openly or secretly”

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22
Q

how does theft go against the precept to worship God

A

8th commandment says “thou shall not steal”
we would be disobedient to God if we stole

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23
Q

how does theft go against the precept to keep order in society

A

theft contributed to a disordered society
a secondary precept would be not to steal

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24
Q

what kind of view does Aquinas adopt for the issue of theft

A

proportionalist

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25
what is the proportionalist view on theft
takes account of very extreme circumstances adheres to preserve life principles as this would be greater than the disvalue of injustice to the victim of the theft the intention is to save a life but that my come at the unintentional expense of dispossessing someone of their property
26
in NML in the case of theft why could preserving life take priority of an ordered society
could be seen as practicing the cardinal virtue of justice and the theological virtue of love
27
what would situation ethics think about theft
it would not justify theft, as it ignores love should be the end of all actions and justice distributed fairly is love
28
why does fletcher think theft isn't just
the act isn't just as it deprived others of the same chance Agape love is other person regarding
29
what is fletchers analogy of theft
a student steals a book that they can't afford to pass a test but is intending to return it afterwards
30
why is the analogy of stealing a book wrong to fletcher
while the action is pragmatic it puts your self above the laws and is self motivated. it could deprive other students in the same position
31
what would virtue ethics think about theft
focus not on what you do but on the development of a persons character theft is a base action, it can never be committed well and is always wrong just like murder and adultery
32
what is baseness
processing a lack of moral principles: bad character and immoral
33
what is a quote from Aristotle about theft
"names that are immediately associated with baseness...… adultery, theft and murder"
34
what is UK law on abortion
up too 24 weeks (point of viability)
35
when is abortion allowed in the UK
-if the mother life is at risk -if they mothers physical or mental health is at risk -the child is very likely to be born severely handicapped -there would be a serious effect on other children in the family
36
different views on when life begins
-contraception (Catholics) -viability (24 weeks) -birth -personhood
37
what are some pro-life arguments
-personhood doesn't rely on ability -age doesn't determine personhood -abortion is discrimination (old persecute the young) -disability is not a reason for abortion -all pregnancy's should go full term
38
what are some pro-choice arguments
-relies on abilities of the mother -foetus doesn't have an age like other people do -discrimination against the mothers rights -disability could make their life unbearable (quality of life) -context matters (rape, mental health)
39
when would the catholic church allow abortion
if the 4 criteria of double effect is fulfilled to save the woman's life
40
what are the 4 criteria of double effect
-the proposed action is morally neutral -the action must not be the means by which the good and intended effect is achieved -the and effect may be foreseen but not the intended effect -proportionality between the good and bad effects
41
what would NML think about abortion
it is disagree with it. God intended for a pregnancy to go full term to adhere to the precepts to reproduce and preserve life
42
what is a quote from NML for abortion
"do not kill" any precept
43
why would NML disagree with abortion
violation of primary precepts sanctity of life absolute moral rules divine law
44
why is abortion wrong for NML as it violates the primary precepts
it breaks 4/5 primary precepts, preserve life, order in society, worship god and reproduce. in order to worship god we should follow his commandments
45
why is abortion wrong for NML as it goes against sanctity of life
all life is sacred as it s given by God, so terminating a pregnancy is wrong as life is a gift
46
why is abortion wrong for NML as Gods rules are absolute
NML is deontological so it focuses on our duty, we should always follow Gods divine law as it universal and timeless. abortion goes against the duty to preserve life and reproduce
47
why is abortion wrong because of Gods divine laws and biblical evidence
God commanded "do not kill" this is a divine law so it should always to followed to worship God. As in the bible it says "before I formed you I knew you" life starts at contraception so abortion is murder
48
what would SE think about abortion
would allow abortion and does not think it should be considered wrong in all circumstances. In some cases abortion might be the only right thing
49
why would SE allow abortion
personal autonomy context love as guiding principle quality of sanctity
50
why would SE allow abortion because of personal autonomy
prioritises individual choice, a woman's decision to have an abortion should be based on what she thinks is most loving in her situation
51
why would SE allow abortion because of context
situation ethics doesn't believe in absolute rules. we should look to the situation and make an agapeic calculus on what maximises agape and follows the 4 working principles best
52
why would SE allow abortion because of love being at the centre
if a pregnancy would cause harm, physically or emotionally to the woman or other children then abortion could be the only right thing
53
why would SE allow abortion because of quality of life over sanctity of life
it prioritises the mothers quality of life as it is more loving than a foetuses sanctity of life. also looks at of a child would be born severely handicapped as this would diminish its quality of life and abortion might be the more ethical option
54
what is a quote from SE relating to abortion
"relative the absolute not absolute the relative"
55
when would SE not allow abortion
if it were to be used instead of contraception
56
what would VE think about abortion
would allow abortion, Aristotle believed that a foetus doesn't possess a soul until it is fully formed. We should look at abortion in terms of human fulfilment
57
why would VE allow abortion
Aristotle was a biologist and claimed that a foetus doesn't posses a soul until it is fully formed. This was 40 days for boys and 90 days for girls. we should look at a situation and decide what the most compassionate choice is and what avoids vices like recklessness and selfishness
58
why would VE scholar Hursthouse allow abortion
she argues we should see abortion in relation to how it promotes human fulfilment. For some not having a family is a key part of eudaimonia. Ill-considered abortion could be a vice but not all abortion is wrong as a good life is not the same for everyone
59
what is a quote from Aristotle about abortion
"let abortion be procured before the sense and life has begun"
60
what are the 3 issues in embryo research
-embryo research itself -stem cell cloning -designer babies
61
what is the HFEA
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
62
up to how many days in embryo research allowed in the UK
up to 14 days then the embryo must be destroyed
63
what conditions must the embryo be made in for embryo research to be allowed
In vitro (in a petri dish )
64
what is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
a method of testing embryos for genetic conditions prior to implantation in the uterus (e.g. sex selection)
65
when is PGD allowed
for medical conditions only
66
when can sex selection of embryos be allowed
sex selection is only allowed to prevent sex linked genetic conditions
67
what would NML think about embryo research
they would not allow embryo research
68
why would NML not allow embryo research
preservation of life embryos have moral status goes against natural telos violates sanctity of life
69
what evidence supports NML view that embryo research is bad
"do not kill" "preserve life" "reproduce"
70
why would NML not allow embryo research because of preservation of life
life begins at conception so embryos are persons and have potential life. To destroy an embryo is murder so it goes against the primary precepts to preserve life
71
why would NML not allow embryo research because embryos have moral status
life begins at conception so embryos, so they have the same moral status as a fully developed human being. Destroying an embryo is the equivalent to murder
72
why would NML not allow embryo research because it goes against natural telos
every part of human nature has a telos, one of these is to reproduce and create life. embryo research interferes with this purpose. Breaks eternal and natural law set by God
73
why would NML not allow embryo research because it violates sanctity of life
embryos have personhood so research violates the sanctity of life by treating them is instruments for human means
74
what would SE think about embryo research
they would agree with embryo research
75
why would SE allow embryo research
- embryos are not fully fledged humans - relativism over legalism - agape is the only absolute - ends justify the means
76
why would SE allow embryo research because they aren't fully fledged humans
an embryo hasn't developed into a human yet this happens at around 24 weeks. so research on them is morally permissible and pragmatic
77
why would SE allow embryo research because they value relativism over legalism
rejects rigid rules , each situation is judged individually. If embryo research can reduce more harms, it can be justified e.g. IVF
78
why would SE allow embryo research because they think agape is the only absolute
embryo research can lead to life saving treatments (Parkinsons), so it could be the most loving outcome for the greatest number of people even if it mean destroying embryos
79
why would SE allow embryo research because the end can justify the means
looks at the outcome not the act itself. destroying embryos for medical breakthroughs that save thousands of lives can be morally acceptable
80
what evidence supports SE allowing embryo research
"the end justifies the means - only if the end is love" "love they neighbour" "love and justice are the same"
81
what would VE think about embryo research
would allow embryo research
82
why would VE allow embryo research
- promotes human flourishing - motivation and character matter more - embryos don't have full moral status - practical wisdom allows for flexibility
83
why would VE allow embryo research because it promotes human flourishing
it can promote eudaimonia and human flourishing by finding cures to diseases to save lives or allowing for fulfilment by allowing someone to have a child through IVF
84
why would VE allow embryo research because motivation and character matter more
if the intention behind embryo research is compassion or to help others it can be considered a virtuous act. But if a couple tried to use gene selection for designer babies this would not be considered virtuous
85
what does VE think about designer babies
one the one hand it could be good because it could create super virtuous children but virtuous should be earned through cultivating them
86
why would VE allow embryo research because embryos don't have full moral status
Aristotle as a biologist did not believe a foetus was a human being until 24 weeks and and embryos don't have the same emotional significance as a child. so embryo research can be allowed
87
why would VE allow embryo research because practical wisdom allows for flexibility
virtue ethics uses practical wisdom to judge each situation and between virtues . The wise decision may be to allow embryo research as it can bring about a greater good and reduce suffering
88
what is the UK law on euthanasia and assisted suicide
Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are currently illegal in the UK, however an assisted dying bill is currently going through parliament that would allow terminally ill patients with less than 6 months to live to end their lives with the approval of 2 doctors
89
what is an example of a place where euthanasia is allowed
Switzerland, many people from the UK travel there to Dignitas where they can end their lives
90
what would NML think about euthanasia
they would not allow it
91
why would NML not allow euthanasia
- violates primary precepts preserve life - slippery slope - interferes with Gods authority over life - disrupts the natural telos of humans
92
why would NML not allow euthanasia because it violates the primary precepts
one of the five primary precepts is to preserve life which euthanasia directly contradicts. It also breaks the secondary precept which is do not kill
93
why would NML not allow euthanasia because it could result in a slippery slope
it could start with people that are terminally ill with 6 months to live, but even though it started like this in Canada they have now relaxed the rules to allow it for anyone who is insufferable pain even with mental illness
94
what is the euthanasia bill called in Canada
MAID (medical assistance in dying)
95
why would NML not allow euthanasia because it interferes with Gods authority
life is sacred and a gift from God, only he should decide when it should end and euthanasia is seen as playing God. Sanctity of life is of greater value than quality of life
96
why would NML not allow euthanasia because it disrupts the natural telos of humans
Aquinas believed that everything has a telos and this is to achieve eternal union with the divine. Euthanasia disrupts natural order (order in society)
97
what quotes support NML that euthanasia is not allowed
"do not kill" "god made mankind in his image" "preserve life" "order in society"
98
what would SE think about euthanasia
it would allow euthanasia
99
why would SE allow euthanasia
- agape is the only absolute - personalism - quality over sanctity
100

RS - Ethics (4 decks)

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