Definition: Categorical Imperatives are absolute moral commands that must be followed regardless of consequences.

Quote: "Good will shines like a precious jewel" - Kant

Highlight: Kant's three formulations provide a systematic approach to ethical decision-making: Universal Law, Persons as Ends, and Kingdom of Ends.

Vocabulary: Hypothetical Imperatives - conditional commands that should be followed to achieve specific outcomes.

Example: The Universal Law formulation requires that we only act in ways that could become universal moral laws applicable to everyone.

Definition: Quality of life ethics considers the worth of life based on its experiential value rather than absolute sanctity.

Highlight: Singer's five new commandments represent a modern shift from traditional sanctity of life ethics to quality of life considerations.

Example: The case of Tony Bland in PVS (Persistent Vegetative State) illustrates the complexities of non-voluntary euthanasia decisions.

Vocabulary: Active euthanasia refers to directly causing death through treatment, while passive euthanasia involves withholding life-sustaining treatment.

Quote: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away" represents traditional religious perspectives on life and death.

Definition: The sanctity of life refers to the inherent and sacred value of human life, often grounded in religious or philosophical beliefs.

Quote: "So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them" (Genesis)

Example: The acts and omissions doctrine is illustrated through the Smith and Jones case, where both scenarios lead to death but through different means - active drowning versus passive observation.

Highlight: The Hippocratic Oath establishes fundamental medical ethics principles, particularly regarding the physician's role in end-of-life care.

Vocabulary: Euthanasia - derived from Greek meaning "good death," refers to the practice of intentionally ending life to relieve suffering.