2.3 Sanctity of Life, Abortion and Euthanasia Flashcards
Religious belief on sanctity of life
The belief that life is sacred and holy so it therefore ought to be protected and preserved under all circumstances. Life has absolute intrinsic value
Religious belief on sanctity of life QUOTATION and what that means
There is a belief that we are made “Imago dei” made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image”. Because we are made in the image of God we should treat ourselves with the same respect that is owed to God. To destroy our lives is to desecrate the divine.
Non religious beliefs about the value of life
Quality of life approach is that the value of life is extrinsic rather than intrinsic meaning the external circumstances in our life can enhance or diminish its value.
Non religious beliefs about the value of life QUOTATION
“For mere living is not a good, but living well”
Religious beliefs about the importance of relieving suffering
Since “God is love” -John 4:8 to act lovingly to the sick is to represent Gods presence on earth. Any loving act is a divine act
Non religious beliefs about the importance of relieving suffering 1(hedonism)
As a hedonist, Jeremy Bentham regarded pain as the only and ultimate evil and pleasure as the only and ultimate good. As a utilitarian, he believed removing suffering creates the greatest happiness
The nature and and legality of abortion 3 things
1) Abortion is possible in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.
2) Has to be approved by 2 doctors
3) Only if the baby is disabled or the mother’s life is at risk can the pregnancy be terminated past 24 weeks.
The nature and legality of euthanasia
1) Euthanasia is illegal in the UK
2) Depending on the circumstances it is either manslaughter or murder.
3) Maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
Religious attitudes to abortion (Catholics)
Catholics believe personhood begins at conception which would mean terminating a pregnancy constitutes murder, which is a violation of Decalogue.
Reply to Catholics
There is no biological reason for thinking personhood begins at conception. A zygote has no capacity to feel, move or think so if we say a zygote is a person then so is things like bacteria.
Religious attitude to abortion (NML)
Thomas Aquinas says abortion is a violation of God given telos. Reproduce. POWER. Abortions are a perversion of our natural purpose.
Reply to NML
The notion that living beings possess a natural purpose has been empirically disproven by biological evolutionists. Darwin theory shows it is by natural selection and there is no telos.
Religious attitude to euthanasia (imago dei)
Humans are made in the. image of God which entails the sanctity of life. If we are made.. we should treat ourselves with the same respect that is owed to God and should not desecrate the divine.
Reply to Christian attitude (imago dei euthanasia)
This is inconsistent with the actions of Jesus. He gave himself up and sacrificed himself on the cross and so if we believe in the sanctity of life we should condemn Jesus’ actions of salvation.
Religious view on euthanasia (NML)
Aquinas argued we have a God given telos, to preserve life P in POWER. Therefore euthanasia is a perversion of our natural purpose and a violation of the natural law.
Non-religious attitude to euthanasia (Utilitarianism)
Utilitarianism says that we should always try and seek the maximum happiness for the greatest number. So if euthanasia brings suffering to a minimum and maximises happiness then it should be allowed.
