Life and Death Flashcards
Arguments for the existence of life after death
Descartes’s argument for dualism (the soul is separate from the body) shows that the soul is immortal and therefore will survive bodily death
The soul was breathed into Adam’s nostrils by God in Genesis 2. God is eternal therefore so are our souls, showing that there must be life after death
Arguments against the existence of life after death
Physicalists believe that everything is made of physical matter and so everything is perishable. Our minds display the same properties as our bodies - they both weaken with age and disease - and so they will both perish together
Empiricists believe that we shouldn’t believe in anything without evidence. There is no evidence of the afterlife and there will never be any evidence of the afterlife as we would be dead if we were to experience it, therefore we shouldn’t believe in it
Linear views of human existence
A linear view of human existence entails being born and dying just once before a judgement which determines one’s eternal fate. This is displayed in Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam)
‘a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out’ - Gospel of John (said by Jesus)
Cyclical views of human existence
A cyclical view of human existence considers human existence to be a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Each past life determines the next and the ultimate aim is to escape the cycle. This belief is displayed in both Buddhism and Hinduism
UK laws about abortion
Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy
It is possible to have an abortion in England, Scotland, and Wales in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.
This must be approved by 2 doctors who must agree that having the baby would pose a greater risk to the physical and mental health of the mother than a termination.
Abortions can be carried out after 24 weeks in very limited circumstances. (e.g. the mother’s life would be at risk if she gave birth, the child would be born with a severe disability.)
It is illegal to have an abortion that is not medically controlled. (e.g. taking abortion drugs is a crime that is punishable by life imprisonment.)
UK laws about euthanasia
Euthanasia is the act of killing a person in order to end their suffering.
Euthanasia is illegal in the UK and is regarded as either manslaughter of murder, depending on the circumstances.
The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
All adults have the right to refuse treatment as long as they have the capacity to understand the situation they are in and to make an informed decision.
Attitudes against the legalisation of abortion
Catholics believe that personhood begins at contraception as a zygote is technically a human life. Because humans were made ‘imago dei’ (in the image of God), they are special and should be protected. Abortion violates sanctity of life as it is the deliberate destruction of an innocent human life.
Thomas Aquinas believes that abortion violates a human’s ‘telos’ (purpose) as it violates 2 of his primary precepts: to reproduce and to protect the innocent. He would argue that abortion is unacceptable after 40 days because that is when the male’s rational soul appears and so when the foetus is considered a human. Whilst the female’s rational soul appears later, the gender of a foetus cannot yet be determined before 90 days, and so if you were to abort after 40 days, you might be aborting a human male, rather than a female foetus.
Attitudes for the legalisation of abortion
Kantian ethics argues that a foetus is not a rationally autonomous being that is worthy of moral consideration, and so we have no duties toward them. We should prioritise the choice of the rationally autonomous mother over the foetus.
A Utilitarianist would take a situational approach that would look at each case and decide whether abortion would maximise happiness for the greatest number of people. This would mean that in most cases, abortion would be allowed as forcing someone to give birth would usually result in a lot of suffering.
Arguments against the legalisation of euthanasia
Some Christians believe that humans were made ‘imago dei’ (in the image of God), and so they are special and should be protected. This is known as sanctity of life. Euthanasia violates the sanctity of life principle as it is the deliberate destruction of an innocent human life.
Thomas Aquinas believes that euthanasia violates a human’s ‘telos’ (purpose) as it violates one of his primary precepts: to protect the innocent.
Arguments for the legalisation of abortion
A Christian who believes in situation ethics might argue that euthanasia is often the most loving action to take as you are ending a person’s suffering and giving someone the freedom to die with dignity.
A Utilitarianist would take a situational approach that would look at each case and decide whether the suffering relieved by euthanasia would outweigh the emotional suffering created for the patient’s loved ones.
What is the purpose to human sexuality?
A Christian would argue that human sexuality is for reproduction.
‘Be fruitful and multiply’ - Genesis 1:28
A hedonist would argue that human sexuality is for pleasure only and we should revel in it.
Arguments against same-sex marriages
Aquinas was against homosexuality as he believed that the purpose of sex is for reproduction only. Same-sex marriage should be illegal to discourage this.
Divine command theorists are often against homosexuality as they follow the Bible closely.
‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable’ - Leviticus 18:22
Arguments for same-sex marriage
J.S. Mill’s harm principle states that the state should only have the right to limit our freedom when our actions might harm another person. Gay marriage doesn’t harm anyone and so the state should not be allowed to prevent it from happening.
Christians who believe in situation ethics would argue that allowing everyone to marry, no matter their sexuality, is the most compassionate thing and displays the most ‘agape’. (unconditional love)
Legal changes about homosexuality
In 2000, the government lifted the ban prohibiting lesbians and gay men from serving in the Armed Forces.
In 2001, the age of consent for gay sex was lowered to 16 - fully aligning with the law for straight sex.
In 2003, LGBT issues could be discussed in schools.
In 2013, The Marriage Act permitted same-sex marriage.
Arguments for marriage
Some Christians believe that marriage was part of God’s plan for humanity.
‘man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh’ - Genesis 2:24
This verse occurs while Adam and Eve are still in Eden, showing how marriage is not the by-product of the fall or original sin but how God what God planned for humanity.
Thomas Aquinas believed that monogamous marriages provide a desirable environment for rearing children as the child will have both a stable maternal and paternal figure. This helps fulfil our ‘telos’ (purpose) as it fulfils one of the primary precepts - to reproduce and find a family.