GCSE Revision Matters of Death

Key Questions When is a person actually dead? When is a person actually dead? Is there any life after death? Is there any life after death? Do we have the right to take our own life or help another to end theirs? Do we have the right to take our own life or help another to end theirs? Whose responsibility is it to care for the sick and the elderly? Whose responsibility is it to care for the sick and the elderly?

The Sick and Elderly Failing Health Failing Health Poverty Poverty Loneliness Loneliness Old people are living for longer, a large percentage of population are old Old people are living for longer, a large percentage of population are old Care provided by the family? Care provided by the family? Care provided by the government? Care provided by the government?

The Hospice Movement Began in the early 20 th Century Began in the early 20 th Century Dr Cicely Saunders Dr Cicely Saunders Main aim is palliative care Main aim is palliative care Helps the patient, friends and family face up to death Helps the patient, friends and family face up to death Offer short and long term help Offer short and long term help Not just death-houses Not just death-houses

Euthanasia - types Voluntary Voluntary Involuntary Involuntary Active Active Passive Passive The moral debate surrounds the legalisation of voluntary active euthanasia. The society who push for this are called EXIT. Many in the hospice movement say it is unnecessary and undesirable.

Euthanasia FOR The right to choose The right to choose Dignified Dignified Quality vs. length of life Quality vs. length of life Animals are put down when suffering Animals are put down when suffering Saves family from extended strain and anxiety Saves family from extended strain and anxietyAGAINST Always hope for recovery Always hope for recovery Palliative care makes it unnecessary Palliative care makes it unnecessary Pressure on people to choose it Pressure on people to choose it God alone should end life – life is sacred God alone should end life – life is sacred Murder Murder Not the role of doctors Not the role of doctors

Suicide Many people try to take their own lives for a whole variety of reasons – what reasons can you think of? Many people try to take their own lives for a whole variety of reasons – what reasons can you think of? Often a cry for help Often a cry for help Used to be illegal Used to be illegal The Samaritans – anonymous telephone contact service The Samaritans – anonymous telephone contact service

Christianity Traditionally opposed to suicide (and therefore Euthanasia too) Traditionally opposed to suicide (and therefore Euthanasia too) Many Christians work for Samaritans Many Christians work for Samaritans Churches all opposed to Euthanasia Churches all opposed to Euthanasia Life is sacred – Euthanasia is murder or suicide Life is sacred – Euthanasia is murder or suicide Some individual Christians think Euthanasia is acceptable in severe circumstances and is in fact the most loving thing to do in those cases Some individual Christians think Euthanasia is acceptable in severe circumstances and is in fact the most loving thing to do in those cases

Islam Role of the extended family to care for the sick/elderly Role of the extended family to care for the sick/elderly Life created by Allah – with a plan Life created by Allah – with a plan Life is a test – everything for a reason Life is a test – everything for a reason Should not seek an easy way out of suffering Should not seek an easy way out of suffering Suicide/ Euthanasia not listed in Shariah law as acceptable reasons for taking life Suicide/ Euthanasia not listed in Shariah law as acceptable reasons for taking life Muhammad taught that suicide would not be shown mercy on judgement day Muhammad taught that suicide would not be shown mercy on judgement day

Preparing an Argument When we set out the reasons or points relating to a particular issue we call these `arguments’. Sometimes in RE you will have to explain the arguments in favour of, and against, certain issues. For example, you could be asked to explain the different views about the use of animals in medical research. This can be quite tricky so here are some words you can use to help you write out the arguments: whereas given that assumingconsidering despite in short surely on the other hand for example such asbecausetherefore although In contrastwhile It is clear that nonetheless whilst generally for instance In deed naturally in conclusionthis showsmoreover not only…but also furthermore consequently obviously clearly overall typified by absolutely undoubtedly

Organising your arguments You will need to set out the arguments both in favour of, and against the issue quite clearly otherwise your reader will get confused. So, when you set out the arguments you could do it like this:  Explain the background to the issue  The main point FOR  The main point AGAINST  Another point FOR  Another point AGAINST  A summing up of the arguments FOR  A summing up of the arguments AGAINST  Summary of all the main points  Conclusion

Writing a conclusion When you have written about the different sides of the issue you will have to draw the arguments together. This is called a summary or conclusion and these words may help you: overallin the endgenerallyas a ruleto sum up all things considered Giving your own opinion You will be asked to express your own views. You will need to back up your views with evidence and examples rather than just making simple bold statements of opinion, e.g. “I think all sports involving animals are wrong!”. Here are some words or expressions you could use: In my opinionIn my view I think thatI believe I tend to think thatI can see how I sympathise with the opinion that I appreciate the view that I agree with The important thing in your answer is to show that you have considered all the arguments before you made your own opinion and that your own opinions are based upon your careful consideration of all the different arguments.

Remember You cannot get more than a C if you do not Use evidence to support each point you make. Use quotes from the Bible and the Qur’an Give reasons for your statements/opinions Give more than one point of view Give the religious point of view / teaching