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. 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”
Christian perspective to human life
Given that we were uniquely created imago dei, human life is sacred and therefore murder is prohibited. The prohibition of murder is part of the 10 commandments issued by God
Christian perspective to human life QUOTE
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed” - Genesis 9:6
Non religious perspectives on human life
Immanuel Kant believed human life had immense value because humans are able to determine their own values. Because we have the ability to reason, we are able to will our own lives i.e we are autonomous beings. This means human life has great dignity and we shouldn’t exploit that to achieve our own ends
Religious beliefs about the importance of relieving suffering
1) In the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, Jesus says those who fed the hungry, cared for the sick and clothed the cold are the ones who will receive eternity in the kingdom of God
2) 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
Non religious beliefs about the importance of relieving suffering 2(effective altruism)
Effective altruism is a movement that says because suffering from lack of food and shelter is bad and if it is in your power to prevent that suffering by donating to charities then if you’re able to and don’t donate to these charities you are doing something wrong.
The nature and and legality of abortion
Abortion is possible in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy but has to be approved by 2 doctors and have to agree that the physical or mental health of the mother would be worse with the baby. Only if the baby is disabled or the mother’s life is at risk can the pregnancy be terminated past 24 weeks. It is illegal to get the pregnancy terminated without the 2 doctors
The nature and legality of euthanasia
Euthanasia is illegal in the UK and depending on the circumstances it is either manslaughter or murder. Maximum penalty is life imprisonment. However all adults have the right to refuse treatment as long as they have the capacity to understand the situation the are in.
