Euthanasia

• What are the two versions of the Euthanasia summary notes available on the OCR Ethics page?

  A* – A grade summary notes and B – C grade summary notes
• What is the traditional Christian view on the sanctity of life?

  • Human life is a gift from God.
  • Only God has the right to end life.
  • Biblical evidence includes:
  • Created in God's image (Genesis).
  • The 10 commandments state "thou shalt not murder."
  • 1 Corinthians describes the body as a "temple of the holy spirit."
• What is the weak sanctity of life view?


  It suggests that other themes like compassion and love may outweigh the sanctity of life in extreme cases.
• What does the Quality of Life argument claim?

  It claims that the value of life is determined by the balance of happiness over suffering.
• Who argues that the sanctity of life is based on outdated Christian views?

  Peter Singer
• Why does Singer justify voluntary euthanasia?

  He argues that if someone has a low quality of life and a preference to die, then it is justified.
• What is the justification for non-voluntary euthanasia according to Singer?

  It is justified for those in a vegetative state or babies with severe medical conditions who cannot express a preference.
• What is Archbishop Fisher's criticism of the quality of life view?

  He argues that legalizing euthanasia for clear cases leads to a slippery slope of extending it to more cases.
• What example does Fisher use to illustrate his slippery slope argument?


  He cites the controversy in Canada in 2022 where some requested euthanasia due to poverty.
• How does Singer respond to Fisher's slippery slope argument?


  He argues that those who receive euthanasia are disproportionately privileged and that the number of euthanised babies in Sweden has decreased.
• What is Nozick's view on autonomy in the context of euthanasia?

  Nozick argues for 'self-ownership', stating that individuals can do what they want with their bodies, including choosing euthanasia.
• What ethical downside does Singer point out regarding absolute autonomy in euthanasia?


  He suggests that allowing autonomy for any reason could lead to regrettable decisions, such as a love-sick teenager wanting to die.
• What is Mill's consequentialist view on autonomy?

  Mill argues that society will be happiest if individuals are free to act as long as they do not harm others.
• What is the slippery slope argument related to consequentialist autonomy?

  Fisher argues that accepting the right to die could lead to allowing euthanasia in all cases where people want it.
• How can Singer and Mill's views on autonomy be combined to address the slippery slope issue?


  By requiring that voluntary euthanasia be rationally chosen, it prevents cases like the love-sick teenager from being eligible.
• How does situation ethics apply to euthanasia?

  • Euthanasia can be morally good if it maximizes agape.
  • It is wrong if it is pressured by greed or short-term issues.
  • Fletcher would accept euthanasia for low quality of life and autonomous wish to die.
  • It would be wrong if someone is pressured into euthanasia.
• What is W. Barclay's critique of situation ethics in euthanasia?

  He argues that people are not perfectly loving and may act selfishly or cruelly when given power to judge what is good or bad.
• What is Fletcher's defense regarding the progress of humanity since medieval times?

  Fletcher argues that humanity has 'come of age' and is now more educated and civilised, allowing for greater autonomy.
• What is Barclay's counter-argument to Fletcher's view of human progress?

  Barclay believes that granting freedom will lead to selfish or cruel choices, echoing the idea that power corrupts.
• What does Natural Law ethics claim regarding euthanasia?

  • Follows Bible teachings (divine law).
  • Claims a natural law from God exists.
  • Euthanasia violates the primary precept to protect human life.
  • It leads to social disorder and immorality.
• How does the Catholic Church use the principle of double effect in relation to euthanasia?


  It claims that stopping or withdrawing treatment can be acceptable if the intention is not to kill.
• Why are Aquinas' Natural Law ethics and the sanctity of life principle considered outdated by some?


  They were created for the socio-economic conditions of ancient and medieval society, which were more chaotic and required strict rules.
• What is the primary precept in Natural Law ethics regarding euthanasia?

  It is to protect and preserve human life.
• What does Mother Theresa claim regarding abortion and world peace?

  She claims that if a mother can kill her own child, it raises concerns about killing one another.
• How does the argument about the primary precepts serve a useful function in medieval society?

  Strict rules were important to hold society together and prevent chaos due to lack of education and self-control.
• What is the implication of failing to follow God's natural law according to Natural Law ethics?


  It leads to disharmony, immorality, and social disorder.
• What does the principle of double effect suggest regarding actions that may lead to death?


  It suggests that actions can be morally acceptable if the intention is not to kill.
• Why are Aquinas’ Natural law ethics and the sanctity of life principle considered outdated?

  • Created for socio-economic conditions of Ancient and Medieval society
  • Strict rules were necessary to maintain order in chaotic times
  • Society has progressed and can now reinterpret ethical rules
• How did the socio-economic conditions of medieval society influence ethical principles?

  They necessitated strict absolutist ethical principles to prevent societal chaos.
• How can the primary precepts of Natural law be viewed in the context of medieval society?


  They served a useful function by banning all killing due to high levels of violence.
• What is the argument regarding the relevance of primary precepts in modern society?

  They are increasingly seen as outdated and no longer useful.
• What is a potential defense of Aquinas’ Natural law ethics despite claims of being outdated?

  That calling a theory outdated does not negate its truth or validity.
• What is the traditional Christian view on the sanctity of life?


  It holds that human life is a gift from God and only God has the right to end it.
• What biblical evidence supports the sanctity of life principle?

  We are created in God’s image, and the Ten Commandments state "thou shalt not murder."
• What is the weak sanctity of life view?

  It suggests that the sanctity of life may be outweighed by other factors like compassion and love.
• How does Peter Singer view the sanctity of life in relation to quality of life?


  He argues that the sanctity of life is based on outdated views and should be re-evaluated.
• Under what circumstances does Singer justify voluntary euthanasia?

  If someone has a low quality of life and a preference to die.
• What is the rationale behind non-voluntary euthanasia according to Singer?

  It is justified for those in a vegetative state or with severe medical conditions who cannot express a preference.
• What ethical concerns does Fisher raise regarding euthanasia?


  He highlights the slippery slope and its potential effects on vulnerable individuals.
• What is Nozick's view on autonomy in relation to euthanasia?


  He argues for self-ownership, stating individuals can do what they want with their bodies.