Life and Death Issues Flashcards

Here are some flashcards to help you study the key terms from your lecture notes on Life and Death Issues.

Afterlife

Life after death; the belief that existence continues after physical death

Environmental responsibility

The duty to respect, care for and preserve the natural environment. Sustainability is crucial to this

Euthanasia

Sometimes referred to as ‘mercy killing’. Helping someone to die, because death is considered the best option

Evolution

The process by which living creatures are believed to have developed from earlier, less complex forms

Abortion

Deliberately ending a pregnancy by removing an embryo or foetus from the womb

Quality of life

The extent to which life is meaningful and pleasurable

Sanctity of life

The belief that life is precious, or sacred. Some believe human life is special as we were made in God’s image

Soul

The spiritual aspect of a being that connects someone to God. Non-physical and living on after physical death

Stewardship

A duty from God referred to in Genesis, related to environmental responsibility

Ahimsa

Non-violence to living things; a Hindu concept promoting respect for all life

Atman

The soul in Hinduism; believed to be part of Brahman (God) and subject to reincarnation

Samsara

The cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism

Speciesism

Discrimination against certain species of animals; a term used by the humanist philosopher Peter Singer

Karma

The principle in Hinduism that one's actions determine their future reincarnations

Moksha

The release from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism; union of the atman with Brahman