1
Q
Outline basic introduction:
A
- Give definition of abortion and laws in UK
- State how Christians see it as murder
- George Teller example
- State how feminists see it - women rights and the consequences
2
Q
Outline basic overview of the essay:
A
- It will consider and evaluate religious and moral principles and how …language of the question they are to the debate around abortion
- It will be about the sanctity of life, person hood and two differentiating Christian perspectives on abortion
3
Q
Give overview on Sanctity of life:
A
- Refers to life being sacred and must be respected as our lives belong to God.
- We are seen to be a product of God - demands same respect as him.
- Based on Bible, natural theology (reason) and church
- Natural theology is based on experience
4
Q
What is the Christian view on the sanctity of life?
A
- They believe that all life is sacred and hence abortion is immoral
- RCC: “men cannot do with it as he wills” - God has control and we do as he wishes of us.
5
Q
What is the feminist view on the sanctity of life?
A
- Feminists are against the sanctity of life as they believe that the women should have control of her own body and can do with it as she wills.
- Mary Anne Warren believes that a person should be respected and valued only if they have the capacity to think and the will to live.
6
Q
What is the Methodist church view on abortion?
A
- More liberal form of Christianity
- They see it as evil and support single pregnant mothers
- It can be seen a lesser evil if the foetus is handicapped, product of rape or the life of the mother is in danger
- They believe there is no definite starting point but says that it develops and the respect for it does also
7
Q
What is the Roman Catholic Church view on abortion?
A
- More conservative form
- Foetus is most innocent being
- They believe a foetus becomes a human at conception
8
Q
Outline what person hood is:
A
- Essential idea in the debate
- Abortion is seen to be wrong as many believe a foetus is a person
- Mahoney put forward the following criteria for a person: rationality, sentience, emotions, free-will, and continuity.
9
Q
What is the Christian view on person hood?
A
- They believe that a foetus becomes a person at conception
- Although they do not have the characteristics, they have the potential to develop.
- As they have the potential, they should be seen as valuable and and respected.
10
Q
What is the feminist view on person hood?
A
- Support Mahoneys criteria
- Believe they will only become a person when they are born
- Mary Anne Warren argues that person hood depends on moral reciprocity - the ability to respect another persons rights to life.
11
Q
Evaluate the sanctity of life:
A
- One hand the idea that human life is ‘set apart’ and needs preserving is a clear principle that endures and forms the basis of much decision making already.
- The Biblical basis for this position might put some off in an increasingly secular society
- Clearly there are exceptions to this principle both within & without the Bible
12
Q
Evaluate person hood:
A
- Lack of clarity and agreement around person hood means its not a useful guide
- Probably should not be used but does ask us to think about the moral status of the Foetus so still important
13
Q
Outline a conclusion:
A
- Approaches to abortion should not be guided by religious principles only - deontological and patriarchal which does not fit in with society.
- Useful in the sense that they reflect on importance of sanctity of life and loving actions.
- Liberal moral principles fit best with our developing secular society as this is how people live now.
AS Ethics
flashcards
Decks in class (6)
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