Philosophy: Issues of Good and Evil Flashcards
What is morality?
Principles and standards determining which actions are right or wrong
What is conscience?
An inner voice which keeps a person on the right track and helps us make the right choice
How do people make moral decisions?
Conscience The law Religious leaders of teachings Login/Reason Past experiences Other beliefs and values
What is Absolute morality and Relative morality?
Absolute morality: when a person has a principle such as ‘it is wrong to kill’ and never alters it
Relative morality: when a person holds moral principles but is prepared to alter it in certain situations
What are the causes of crime?
Poor education Poor parenting Poverty Mental health issues Addiction Peer pressure Media Unemployment
What are Christian attitudes towards crime and punishment?
Christianity believe in forgiveness (retribution shouldn’t be an aim of punishment)
Forgiveness and punishment go hand in hand
They believe in support restorative justice programmes in prison
Jesus taught compassion
Some become prison chaplains to help prisoners reform
What does the Bible say about justice?
'’But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream’’
What are Muslim attitudes towards crime and punishment?
Shari’ah law outlines rules and punishments
Many Shari’ah law punishments are made in order to deter wrongdoers
Punishment is seen as essential in keeping people from straying
Punishment does not remove sin
Muslims hope that offenders will repent and seek forgiveness
What does the Qur’an say about justice?
'’Indeed, God orders justice and good conduct and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression’’
What is a prison chaplain and what is their role?
A minister, priest, etc
Attached to non-religious institutions such as prisons, hospitals, etc
Their job is to provide counselling for the inmate
What did Kate Johnson (Quaker and Prison chaplain) say about prison chaplains?
'’You are there primarily for the inmates… we do offer them enough compassion’’
What are Christian attitudes towards the death penalty?
Only God has the right to take a life
Execution goes against the sanctity of life
Jesus taught Christians to be compassionate and forgiving
Reform over execution
Turn the other cheek
Conservative Christians advocate the death penalty (an eye for an eye)
What does the Bible say about the death penalty?
'’Father forgive them, for they know not what they do’’
‘‘Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed’’
What are the Muslim attitudes towards the death penalty?
Islam accepts it
It should be issued for the most severe crimes
Forgiveness is important but so is the protection of the ummah (Muslim community)
Punishment is central to justice
The Qur’an forbids taking a life
What does the Qur’an say about the death penalty?
'’Nor take life- which God has made sacred, except for just cause’’
What are arguments for the death penalty?
It acts as a deterrent
It allows you to get revenge
‘‘I believe that people who go out prepared to take the lives of other people forfeit their own right to live’’ -Obama
Jonathan Vass murdered his ex girlfriend after raping her, he was jailed for 30 years
What are arguments against the death penalty?
Life is sacred, shouldn’t be ended by humans
violates basic human rights
Evidence shows that it doesn’t deter crime
It discriminates against those who are oppressed
Can be used as a political tool
‘‘I do not think that God approves of the death penalty for any crime’’ -MLK
What is a case study on forgiveness?
Julie Nicholson, 7/7 bombings in London
Her daughter died
She cannot forgive her daughter’s killers
‘‘It is very difficult for me to… lead people in words of… forgiveness when I feel very far from that myself’’
What are Christian attitudes towards forgiveness?
Christianity is a religion of forgiveness and love and compassion
The Bible instructs Christians to forgive
Christians can only accept forgiveness from the Lord if they are forgiving
Catholics believe you can be forgiven through atonement and confession
Evangelical Christians believe forgiveness of sins is granted by God
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
'’Forgive their sins, as they forgive those who have sinned against them’’
What are Muslim attitudes towards forgiveness?
Those who forgive others will be rewarded by God
Forgiveness is the path to peace
2 types of forgiveness: God’s and human’s
Humans need both types
There is no limit to God’s mercy
God will forgive those who truly repent
Prophet Muhammad was forgiving
What does the Qur’an say about forgiveness?
'’If you pardon and overlook and forgive- then indeed God is Forgiving and Merciful’’
What is good?
Something that is considered morally right and to our advantage
What are Christian attitudes towards Good?
God created a world that is good
God also gave people free will
Free will can be used to stray from good
God has shown people how to live a good life
What are Muslim attitudes towards Good?
Everyone is born with a natural instinct to distinguish good and bad
All humans have free will
Muslims are expected to follow in the example of Muhammad
God will judge those according to their faith and actions
Those who do good will reach heaven
‘‘Whoever does righteousness will enter paradise’’
What are Christian attitudes towards Evil?
People are given free will and choose evil
Some Christians believe evil causes suffering so that we can develop a moral soul out of experiences
God doesn’t interfere with human affairs to prevent evil, that would mean interfering with free will
Original sin
Life is a test
The reason of evil will never be understood by humans
Evil comes from Satan
What are Muslim attitudes towards Evil?
Part of God’s plan
Life is a test
Good and evil acts are noted by two angels
Muslims will answer for their deeds on Judgement day
Evil comes from Shaytan
What does the Qur’an say about Evil?
'’Among your wives and your children are enemies to you, so beware of them’’
What are the causes of suffering?
Disease War and Conflict Human greed Ambition Inequality Poverty Terrorism Natural disasters
What are Christian attitudes towards suffering?
Seen as a test
Punishment for sin and is a result of the original sin (Catholic)
A part of God’s plan
Allows us to appreciate the good in this world
Allows us to relate to Jesus
Suffering strengthens our faith in God
What are Muslim attitudes towards suffering?
Everything that happens if part of the will of God
It’s a test
Allows Muslims to prove their faith by resisting temptation
Allows us to follow in the example of the Prophet
Good can come from suffering
How can you ease suffering?
Training/Education Prayer Fund-raising Counselling Medical care Building works Disaster relief Rehabilitation programmes
What are Christian attitudes towards evil and suffering?
Catholics believe that due to the original sin, it’s easier to do wrong
Fate is not a Christian idea
Some believe in predestination
Free will given to humans by God
What are Muslim attitudes towards evil and suffering?
Humans are puppets
Everyone has free will
Many believe in predestination
What does the Qur’an say about evil and suffering?
'’God has power over all things’’
‘‘Whatever of good befalls you it is from God’’
