02 Deontilogical Ethics: C Aquinas' Natural Law - Application Of The Theory Flashcards
What is the definition of abortion?
The termination of pregnancy.
Why is the debate about the morality of abortion difficult?
Because there is currently disagreement about the moment personhood begins.
What are some arguments about the moment when life begins?
-starts at conception
-starts at a point of viability
-starts at birth.
What does Peter Vardy point out about abortion?
The different interpretations of the same words make this moral debate very difficult.
Who was natural law put forward by?
Thomas aquinas
What type of theory is natural law?
absolute and deontelelogical
How is natural law also a teleological theory?
It also refers to an end goal or purpose of the human which is to achieve beatific vision.
What passages or scripture relate to abortion?
Exodus:
-do not kill (10 commandments).
Gospels:
-love one another is the greatest commandment (Jesus)
What human laws relate to abortion?
They vary from country to country but in the uk it is permissible up to 24 weeks of pregnancy providing certain criteria are met.§
What overarching precept relates to abortion?
Do good and avoid evil.
What is the most obvious primary precept which is relevant to abortion?
To preserve innocent life
According to natural law, why is abortion inherently evil?
Because of the direct and intentional killing of an innocent human being.
What two other precepts does Howard Kainz argue are also relevant?
-the right to procreation
-the right to nurture children.
What precept did Howard Kainz say we should apply in order to make exceptions where the mother’s life is threatened?
The first precept.
When did Howard Kainz say we should apply the first precepts? (Abortion)
To make exceptions when the life of the mother is threatened.
When moral agents are considering the issue of abortion, what virtue would be offered to the mother and foetus?
The virtue of love.
What 3 virtues link to abortion?
-prudence
-fortitude
-justice
How does the virtue of prudence link to abortion?
Needed to make a decision.
How does the virtue of fortitude link to abortion?
May be needed to follow the decision
How does the virtue of justice link to abortion?
Recognises the individuals needs and includes the needs of the mother as well.
Aquinas believed there is a difference between intention of an act and what?
The act itself.
For Aquinas, what is more important, the intention of an act or the act itself?
The intention of an act
What is an internal act according to Aquinas?
The intention of an act
According to Aquinas what is an external act?
The physical action itself.
What is the principle of the double effect?
Even if good acts result in bad consequences then it is still right to do that act.
How does the doctrine of the double effect apply to abortion?
Eg: cancer treatment saves the mother but kills the foetus.
What is euthanasia?
Doctor assisted suicide.
What does the word euthanasia come from?
The Greek terms Eu meaning good/gentle and Thanatos which means death.
What are the 2 key issues to consider when discussing euthanasia?
-whether killing should be allowed in any circumstances.
-the value that is given to live (sanctity of life).
What divine laws links to euthanasia?
-Do not kill.
-love one another.
What human laws links to euthanasia?
Suicide was decriminalised in 1961 but to aid or assist suicide in any way is still a crime.
What precepts link with euthanasia?
Do good and avoid evil.
Which primary precept links best to euthanasia?
Preserving innocent life.
What question about legalising euthanasia should be asked with orderly living in society?
Would legalising voluntary euthanasia disrupt society?
When considering the issue of euthanasia what virtue must be applied?
The virtue of love.
How does faith and hope fit with euthanasia?
Christians against euthanasia may talk about suffering being a part of life and that Jesus also suffered but we have hope of the resurrection.
What is the virtue of prudence?
Good judgement.
What is the virtue of fortitude?
Courage
How does prudence fit with euthanasia?
This is needed to make a decision.
How does fortitude fit with euthanasia?
May be needed to follow the decision.
How doe justice fit with euthanasia?
Recognises the individuals needs or society. What could be the impact of legalising euthanasia.
How could the principle of the double effect link to euthanasia?
It could be argued that if the moral agent gives a large dose of morphine to control the pain of a terminally ill patient, the intention was not to kill the patient but to relieve their suffering.
Why does the Catholic Church argue that so called ‘mercy killing’ only an apparent good?
It would take a person away from perfection rather than towards it.
When is something morally wrong?
Any act or failure to act which results in the death of a person is morally wrong.
