T&P Paper 2 --- (utilitarianism, Euthanasia, Natural law)

--- Normative Ethical Theories ---

[Topic Marker]

What is Natural Law?

Humans should act according to reason to achieve their purpose.

What did Aquinas say about the purpose of human life?

To live in accordance with reason and ultimately achieve union with God.

What is the primary precept of Natural Law?

To preserve life, reproduce, educate offspring, live in society, and worship God.

What are the secondary precepts of Natural Law?

Rules derived from the primary precepts to guide moral behaviour.

What is Situation Ethics?

Moral rightness is determined by love (agape), not rules.

What is the central principle of Situation Ethics?

Love is the only norm.

What is Pragmatism in Situation Ethics?

Decisions must work in the real world to promote love.

What is Relativism in Situation Ethics?

Moral rules are flexible depending on context.

What is Positivism in Situation Ethics?

Moral decisions must be based on love, not reasoning alone.

What is Personalism in Situation Ethics?

Human beings come first in moral decision-making.

What is Utilitarianism?

Morality is judged by outcomes, maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.

What is Act Utilitarianism?

Each action judged by whether it maximizes happiness.

What is Rule Utilitarianism?

Follow rules that generally maximize happiness.

What did Jeremy Bentham say about ethics?

Pain and pleasure are the two masters of human life.

What did John Stuart Mill say about pleasure?

Higher pleasures (intellectual, cultural) are better than lower pleasures (physical).

What is Preference Utilitarianism?

Actions are right if they satisfy the most preferences.

What did Peter Singer say about utilitarianism?

Ethics should consider the interests and preferences of all affected.

What is Kantian Ethics?

Morality is based on duty and universal moral laws.

What is the Categorical Imperative?

Act only according to maxims that can be universal laws.

What is a hypothetical imperative?

Actions done to achieve a goal, not morally necessary.

What is a duty according to Kant?

An obligation to act morally, regardless of consequences.

What is autonomy in Kantian Ethics?

Acting according to your rational moral law.

What did Onora O’Neill say about Kantian Ethics?

Emphasized applying universal principles to real-world problems.

What is virtue in MacIntyre’s ethics?

Character traits that help humans flourish.

What did MacIntyre say about morality?

It is achieved within community and tradition.

What is the difference between deontology and consequentialism?

Deontology focuses on duty; consequentialism focuses on outcomes.

--- Applied Ethics: Euthanasia ---

[Topic Marker]

What is euthanasia?

The intentional ending of a person’s life to relieve suffering.

What is voluntary euthanasia?

Patient consents to ending their life.

What is non-voluntary euthanasia?

Patient cannot consent (e.g., coma).

What is involuntary euthanasia?

Life is ended against patient’s wishes.

What are the two main ethical approaches to euthanasia?

Sanctity of life vs Quality of life.

What does sanctity of life mean?

Life is sacred and must be preserved.

What does quality of life mean?

Suffering and lack of autonomy may justify ending life.

What would Situation Ethics say about euthanasia?

Do the most loving action in the circumstances.

What would Utilitarianism say about euthanasia?

Maximize happiness or reduce suffering for the most people.

What would Kant say about euthanasia?

It is always morally wrong; taking life uses humans as a means.

What did Pope John Paul II say about euthanasia?

'Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God.'

What did Peter Singer say about euthanasia?

It may be permissible if it respects preferences and reduces suffering.

What is the main difference between active and passive euthanasia?

Active = doing something to cause death; Passive = withholding treatment.

What is the doctrine of double effect?

Permitting harm as a side effect of a good act if the intention is good.

What is an example of the doctrine of double effect in euthanasia?

Pain relief that may hasten death is morally permissible if intention is to relieve suffering.

What is the principle of autonomy in euthanasia debates?

Patients should make their own decisions about their life.

What is the principle of beneficence in euthanasia debates?

Act to benefit the patient and reduce suffering.

What is the principle of non-maleficence in euthanasia debates?

Do no harm; avoid unnecessary suffering.

What is the difference between moral permissibility and legality in euthanasia?

Morally right action may not always be legal.

What is palliative care?

Treatment aimed at relieving pain without curing the disease.

What is the ethical argument for legalizing voluntary euthanasia?

Respects autonomy and reduces unnecessary suffering.

What is the ethical argument against legalizing euthanasia?

Violates sanctity of life and risks abuse.