1. The Taking of Human Life
Applying the Basic Principles

2. Suicide Moral Immoral Person has the rights over his or her own body
Person should have the freedom to make decisions over his or her own body
Up to the individual to determine worth of life
Always irrational
Religious argument is that only God can create or end life
Lots of questions, removes human responsibility
Other forms of murder will follow

3. Killing in Defense Moral Immoral
People have obligations to protect the innocent
Good of defending the innocent outweighs the bad of killing a murderer
Humans are capable of violating all five basic principles
Violence breeds violence
Taking of human life is always wrong

4. War Moral Immoral Population control Mother of invention
Unifying factor and economic boost
Sometimes a necessary evil – no such thing as a moral conflict
Violation of Value of Life principle
Useless killing, especially of innocents
Destruction always outweighs gain
Can be dealt with peacefully
Nuclear war always indefensible

5. Terrorism Moral Immoral
When people are oppressed or angry, nonviolent means have not worked, they feel they must resort to violence, cause is more important
Excessive violence, involving the loss of innocents, cannot be condoned, never morally just

6. Capital Punishment and Theories
Retributive Theory
Punishment should be given only when it is deserved and to the extent which it is deserved
Utilitarian
Punishment justified only if it brings about good consequences for everyone
Restitution
Justice served only when the victim of a crime is provided compensation
All acceptable or lacking on capital punishment depending on perspective

7. Capital Punishment Moral Immoral Deterrent for the killer and others
Less costly than imprisonment
Gives force to laws
Murderer has forfeited rights to be treated ethically
Rehabilitation often infeasible
Fairness
Direct violation of Value of Life
Doesn’t bring back killer’s dead victims or recompense the survivors
No proof of deterrence
Possible to wrongly execute an innocent person
Wealth may play a role in a trial
Eliminates rehabilitation and adds cost of life in situation

8. Capital Punishment Debate