Medical Ethics Arguments

Front

What are the two main arguments in medical ethics?

Back

The sanctity of life argument and the quality of life argument.

Front

Who usually supports the sanctity of life argument?

Back

Religious groups, such as Christians.

Front

Who usually supports the quality of life argument?

Back

Non-religious groups, such as humanists.

Front

What does the Sanctity of Life argument say about human life?

Back

Human life is sacred, holy, and valuable simply because it exists.

Front

What does the Quality of Life argument say about human life?

Back

Life should only continue if it is of good quality.

Front

Which non-religious group supports the Quality of Life argument?

Back

Humanists.

Front

What do Humanists believe everyone has the right to?

Back

The right to life and the right to choose (personal autonomy).

Front

What is ‘instrumentally valuable’ life, according to Humanists?

Back

Life that is valuable if it meets a certain standard of quality.

Front

Give one thing that Humanists think makes life high quality.

Back

Being able to make decisions (other acceptable answers: being able to communicate, being free from pain, being able to look after oneself).

Front

What do Humanists believe about protecting vulnerable people?

Back

They believe we should protect the lives of vulnerable or innocent people, and that no one should feel forced to make a decision.