Topic 6 of 7 · Form 6
Religion and contemporary ethical issues
Euthanasia, organ transplants, genetic engineering, IVF, and the sanctity versus quality of life debate.
Notes for this topic 1 file, in order
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Ethical theories
- Divine command theory: morality is what God commands.
- Natural law (Aquinas): morality follows human purposes and reason.
- Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill): the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
- Kantian ethics: duty, the categorical imperative.
- Situation ethics (Fletcher): agape love as the guiding principle.
- Ubuntu ethics: personhood and relationships.
Bioethics
Euthanasia, organ transplants, genetic engineering, IVF, and the sanctity versus quality of life debate.
Environmental ethics
Stewardship (Christianity, Islam's khalifah), ATR taboos and totems, sacred groves, climate change and conservation.
Human rights and social justice
Religious foundations of human dignity; responses to poverty, corruption, discrimination and political violence.
Science and religion
Creation and evolution, miracles and natural law; views of conflict, independence, dialogue and integration.
Exam tip: Apply at least two ethical theories to a single issue and evaluate which gives the more convincing answer.
Check yourself
- What is the principle of utility?
- What does stewardship mean in religious environmental ethics?
- State the central principle of situation ethics.
Show answers
- Actions are right if they produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
- Humans are caretakers of creation, responsible to God for its use.
- Do the most loving thing (agape) in each situation.
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