Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent treatment of vital philosophical issues, 14 Feb 2003
By A Customer
This is an outstanding book on a number of levels. Aimed primarily at those sitting 'A' level Theology & Philosophy, it explains the key issues and personalities while offering scope for individuals at different levels to explore and develop according to their interest and ability. Its deft touch is evidence of an experienced and creative teacher who is able to illuminate these difficult and frequently mishandled questions. As someone teaching this subject at 'A' level, it is invaluable for pupils and teachers alike; more advanced GCSE students will also benefit from the insights offered by this accessible text. For the more general reader it offers both clear information and guidance for further thought and research. Excellent.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent and comprehensive book, 18 May 2000
By A Customer
As an A-Level Theology Student, this book has been essential in my studies. It is clear concise and comprehensive, covering every important theme and thinker for subjects such as euthanasia, abortion, punishment etc. Essential for anyone studying ethics at any level, and fascinating for anyone who wants to undertand any of the major ethical discussions taking place at the moment.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Matter of Life and Death, 23 Mar 2009
Michael Wilcockson's book has been written mainly for the needs of A level examination students but serves as an introduction to important life and death issues for the general reader. The topics covered include the concept of the sanctity of life, suicide, abortion, infanticide, euthenasia, capital punishment, war and peace with a discussion of nuclear war and deterrence. Most are discussed in the context of theological considerations which form a backdrop to all ethical issues.
There are those for whom ethics can be divorced from theology but historically the concept of life itself as a gift from God has been a powerful one expressed in the idea of the sanctity of life. Kant saw this as a universal moral law which acts to prevent liberty slipping into licence and, for example, does not permit suicide because suicide is the negation of freedom and human value.
Hume saw it differently claiming the life of a man was of no more importance than that of an oyster. However, ethical values are more than individual values they are social values too. As John Donne pointed out, "No man is an island, entire of itself....any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind." This applies to topics such as abortion where the " woman's right to choose" has to be measured against the rights of the unborn child. Similarly when does euthanasia cease to be mercy killing and become mass murder?
These are not easy questions to answer and, whatever our persuasion on each of these real and continuing issues, it would be foolish to say there is only one principle which applies in every case. The old civil service practice of treating every case on its merits is a worthy one. This was clearly recognised in the case of Hillsborough casualty Tony Bland whose parents asked for his life support machine to be turned off but, quite properly, had to meet the opposition of the Official Solicitor who guarded the public interest.
There are powerful arguments for opposing anything which leads to the unnecessary death of any individual (even if it represents that individual's expressed desire) and, in broad terms, these should be upheld. However, as my wife often says, "You never know what you might do if you were faced with that situation yourself." Most of us just hope we never will have to make such difficult choices. It would be churlish to condemn those who do.
The strength of this book, apart from the amount of readable and relevant material, lies in the thought provoking questions it raises. You may not know the answers but you cannot failed to be stimulated into recognising that questions of life and death deserve the fullest consideration rather than a gut reaction response.
A splendid book, well researched, well written, easy to read, thought provoking in content and economical to purchase. Five stars on every count.
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