Book 1 Identity and Values: Study Tools

euthanasia – To deliberately cause the death of a human being with the intention of ending his or her suffering, such as a physician administering a lethal injection. Euthanasia differs from physician-assisted suicide in that the person committing euthanasia participates in the final deadly act.

Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

induced abortion – Intentionally causing the death of an embryo or fetus by a direct or indirect action.

level 3 and 4 principles – Principles that come from Level 3 and Level 4 definitions about meaning and purpose in life. This chapter lays out six Level 3 and 4 principles.

miscarriage – When the embryo or fetus dies unintentionally because there is something wrong with the pregnancy or because something traumatic happens such as a fall, a car accident, or an illness.

physician-assisted suicide – When a physician helps someone to commit suicide, but does not actually participate in the final deadly act. Such as when a physician writes a prescription for a deadly dose of drugs, but the patient self-administers the drugs.

principle – A basic truth or law, that applies universally, and helps shape our attitudes and beliefs.

pro-life – The position that all human beings, including the unborn, the elderly, the terminally ill, and the disabled, are sacred and should be protected by law.

sacrifice – To give up something that is desirable in order to benefit someone or something else beyond ourselves.

social issues – Concerns that affect many members of society. They are usually controversial and deal with questions of right and wrong.

spontaneous abortion – (See miscarriage.)

terminal illness – an illness that cannot be cured and will result in death.