Presented to
The Thomas Merton Center
by
Dr. Neil R.
Quinn Jr.
Markkula Center
for Applied Ethics
Santa Clara
University
Evening’s Agenda:
q
Case 1. What do you do when you hear the neighbor
next door verbally abusing their child?
(NOT a small group discussion.)
15 min
q
Overview of the Basics of
Ethical Decision Making. 15 min
q
Case 2. Suicide and
Euthanasia. 45 min (30 min small group
+ 15 min summary)
q
10 min break
q
Case 3. Homosexuality and
Homophobia. 45 min (30 min small group + 15 min summary)
q
Case 1. What do you do when you hear the neighbor
next door verbally abusing his/her child? (NOT a small group discussion.) 15 min
q What are the facts?
q Is this the first incident or a repeat, what was said, what was the tone, etc.?
q What are the issues?
q Who is affected?
q Should you intervene?
q Is it or is it not your business?
q What are the rights of the parent?
q What are the rights of the child?
q How is justice served?
q
Case 2. Suicide and Euthanasia. The principle of double effect. 45 min (30 min small group + 15 min summary)
1.
Is killing a human being ever justifiable?
2.
Why do we generally think it is right to prevent someone from committing
suicide?
3.
Why do we generally think it is right to save someone’s life after a
suicide attempt?
4.
Is there ever a rational justification for suicide?
q In what cases?
q Should we respect a
person’s autonomy?
5.
Is euthanasia ever justified?
q What is active
euthanasia?
q What is passive euthanasia?
6.
Should it be legal?
7.
What is the principle of double effect?
q Are double effect
actions indirect euthanasia?
q Is there a
difference between relieving physical suffering versus relieving mental
suffering?
8.
Does the cost of health care have any effect on the issue of euthanasia?
q
Case 3. Homosexuality and Homophobia. 45 min
(30 min small group + 15 min summary)
q What is the purpose
of sex?
q Procreation?
q Pleasure?
q Affection?
q Is sexual activity
without the possibility of procreation morally acceptable?
q Do we have any
control over our sexual orientation?
q Are homosexual acts
different than homosexual orientation?
q Should homosexuals
refrain from sexual activity?
q Do homosexuals have
a right to cohabitate?
q Do homosexuals have
a right to marry?
q Should homosexuals
be able to express their sexuality in public?
q Holding hands,
kissing, etc.
q Should homosexuals
be allowed to be scout leaders, camp counselors, etc.?
q Should homosexuals
be treated any differently than heterosexuals?