Judgment criteria​:

The purpose of CTS is to promote the social actions of Catholics

What is the judgment criteria?

Always valid norms to judge systems, structures, institutions and specific social situations.
● The church has a duty to make judgments. Specifically regarding to the political order.​
● The Church cannot be neutral in the field of morality, nor can it practice abstention or
silence.​
● The church does not judge people.​
● the Church will always ask herself what is adequate for man and his development and what
is NOT. ​

“The purpose of the Catholic Social Teaching is to communicate knowledge that is not only
theoretical but also practical and guides pastoral action. This is why, in addition to the permanent
principles of reflection, it also offers judgment criteria on the situations, structures and institutions,
economic, social, political, cultural, technological life, and on the social systems themselves. In this
regard, there is no doubt that speaking about the human conditions of people, about the ethical value
of social, economic, political and cultural structures and systems, in relation to the demands of justice
social, is part of the evangelizing

EXAMPLES OF JUDGMENT CRITERIA:

● Rerum novarum (1891): objections to liberalism (it is not ethical, generates inequality) and
the socialist solution (also criticizes this system for removing private property, using violence
to change society, defends workers, and criticizes exploitation, gives ideas to workers to
create a kind of guild). Defense of workers and criticism of exploitation. Obligations of the
State and the demand for support for workers in their rights. Criticism of the revolutionary
path and defense of the right to property.
● Encyclicals:
➔ "Lumen Fidei" (2013) is an encyclical by Pope Francis, emphasizing the importance
of faith in the life of believers and its role in guiding humanity toward truth and love.
➔ "Laudato Si'" (2015) addresses the environmental crisis, urging a collective ecological
conversion and advocating for sustainable development and care for our common
home.

Four (4) judgment criteria​

1. Certain knowledge of the object or social situation.

2. Professional capacity and corresponding experience.

3. The correct formation of the social conscience in the light of the Gospel and the documents of the
Magisterium.

4. Vigilance and caution: Neither immovable attachment to the past, nor blind passion for the new.

Action Guidelines

1. Respect for man

2. The dialogue exercise: This dialogue is hindered by systems and institutions that deny an objective
moral order.

3. The fight for justice: avoid cowardice and the excessive impulse for justice.

4. The experience of life: specifically to the laity:

A) professional experience = daily work
B) religious experience = interior life
necessary times of solitude and silence

5. The political commitment of the Christian: obligation for the believer.

a)The church can and must judge in the field of morality.
b)Inmmediate political commitment: pastors and clergymen should stay out, because this is NOT their
camp. It is the duty of the laity thanks to baptism and confirmation.

THEME 2: PRINCIPLES

First degree principles:

The first degree principles of social Catholic teaching are foundational concepts that guide the
Church's understanding and approach to social issues. These principles are:

1. Theological Principle: God

● This principle underscores the belief that God is the ultimate foundation of all social
order. It emphasizes that all human actions and societal structures should align with
God's will and divine law.
● God exist.
● God has created the universe.
● God has created man.
● God is the first cause.
 2.Christological Principle: Jesus Christ

● This principle centers on Jesus Christ, who is seen as the model for human behavior and
social justice. The life, teachings, and example of Jesus provide a blueprint for how to live in
harmony with others, advocating for love, compassion, and justice.

3. Anthropological Principle: Man

● The anthropological principle focuses on the inherent dignity and value of every
human being. It is based on the belief that humans are created in the image and
likeness of God, which bestows intrinsic worth and rights upon every individual.

4.Iusnaturalist Principle: Nature

● The iusnaturalist principle relates to the natural law, which is understood as the moral
order inherent in the world, discernible through human reason. This principle asserts
that nature itself reflects God's design and that humans must respect and care for the
environment.

THEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLE:
Saint thomas of Aquino
Saint Thomas Aquinas, a prominent medieval philosopher and theologian, is well-known for his
contributions to Christian theology and philosophy, particularly through his work "Summa
Theologica."

A) Existence of a universal effect of all beings

● Aquinas observed that all beings in the universe produce effects. This notion implies that
everything that exists and acts has an influence or impact on other beings.

B) Principle of causality: everything is caused

● According to Aquinas, the principle of causality states that everything in the universe has a
cause. Nothing can come into existence or occur without a cause. This principle is
foundational in Aquinas's arguments for the existence of God, asserting that every effect must
have a preceding cause.

C) The cause process has an origin

● Aquinas argued that the chain of causes and effects cannot regress infinitely. There must be a
starting point or an origin of the cause process. This initial cause is not caused by anything
else and is necessary to explain the existence of the subsequent causes and effects.

D) God exists and is the first cause

 ● For Aquinas, the first cause, which is the origin of the entire chain of causality, is God. He
posited that God is the uncaused cause, the necessary being who initiates all other causes
without Himself being caused.

Theological principle: definition. Is it a principle of reason or faith?

It is a principle of reason and also of faith; one cannot be fideistic, meaning that reason has nothing to
do with faith, accepting only faith. The separation between reason and faith is false and has no basis.

Proof of order for the existence of God. Brief explanation

Proof of order: Can order come from chance (randomness)? Two types of orders.

● OBJECTIVE ORDER: Each element functions in relation to the other, for example: the
construction of a cathedral, the origin of the universe. Mathematically perfect: Anthropic principle.

● CONVENTIONAL ORDER: It has been agreed to be so, but it could be otherwise, for example:
the alphabet, traffic lights.

Contingency evidence/proof: It is called contingent to the being that does not have the ultimate
explanation in its existence in itself, but needs another to be explained.

Is it a principle of faith?

Saint Thomas Aquinas's argument from contingency, one of his Five Ways to demonstrate the
existence of God, states that everything in the universe is contingent, meaning that it depends on
something else for its existence and could possibly not exist. Since everything cannot be contingent
(as there would be nothing to bring contingent beings into existence), there must be a necessary being
that is not contingent on anything else. This necessary being is what Aquinas identifies as God.

While contingency itself is not a principle of faith, it serves as an important philosophical foundation
that supports the theological principle of God's existence, which is central to Catholic social teaching.

What is faith?
1. In the Catholic religion, first of the three theological virtues, assent to the revelation of God,
proposed by the Church: faith is the first of the three theological virtues, which also include hope and
charity. It involves an assent to the revelation of God, which is proposed by the Church.

2. Set of beliefs of a religion.: This includes doctrines, teachings, and practices that are believed to be
revealed by God and transmitted through the Church.

3. Confidence, a good concept that you have of someone or something. Have faith in the doctor: Faith
can mean having confidence or a positive concept of someone or something. Having faith in a doctor
implies trust in their competence and integrity.

4. Belief that something is given by the authority of the person who says it or by public fame: Faith
involves believing in something based on the authority of the person who states it or due to public
reputation

In catholic:

- Faith is man's response to God who reveals himself and gives himself to him:faith is described
as man's response to God, who reveals Himself and gives Himself to humanity. This reciprocal
relationship underscores the dynamic interaction between divine revelation and human acceptance.

- God comes to meet man, and finally he response with faith.: The human response to this divine
revelation is faith, which involves trust, acceptance, and adherence to God's will and teachings.

Cicero:

•The first link between man and divinity is reason (this will help us in the christological principle).

•Man have to make a necessary choice of faith.

•The natural is the religious sense.

•Something that we absolutely do not know, we do not look for it.

•behind human reason, there is a higher reason.

CHRISTOLOGICAL PRINCIPLE:

This principle centers on Jesus Christ, who is seen as the model for human behavior and social justice.
The life, teachings, and example of Jesus provide a blueprint for how to live in harmony with others,
advocating for love, compassion, and justice.

•Complete the previous principle (theological)

•Jesus Christ is true God and true man.: Jesus Christ is acknowledged as the Son of God,
possessing the full divinity of God the Father. He is the second person of the Holy Trinity, sharing in
the same divine essence. Simultaneously, Jesus is fully human, sharing in all aspects of human life
and experience, except for sin. This dual nature of Christ is fundamental to understanding His role in
salvation.

•Christ is the son of God who enteres history of humankind to save each man: The belief in the
Incarnation holds that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus's mission is to save
humanity from sin and its consequences. As stated in Matthew 1:21, "He will save his people from
their sins," emphasizing His role as the Savior.

“He will sabe his people from their sins” (Mt 1, 21): This scripture highlights the primary purpose
of Jesus's mission on earth: to redeem humanity from sin. Through His life, death, and resurrection,
Jesus provides the means for reconciliation with God.

“He is the Lord of the world and of History” (Ap 11, 15): This passage from Revelation asserts
Jesus's ultimate authority and dominion over all creation and history. As Lord, Jesus is not only the
savior but also the ruler of the entire cosmos, guiding the course of human history towards its
fulfillment in God’s kingdom.

Christiological principle has been developed by the magisterium:

The Christological principle is a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching, emphasizing the unique role
of Jesus Christ as both divine and human in the salvation of humanity. This principle has been
developed and articulated through the Church's magisterium over the years.

•Quas Primas (1925), Pio XI: Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King, emphasizing the
sovereignty of Christ over all creation and human society.

•Vatican Council II (Gaudium et spes) 1965: It emphasized Christ as the key to understanding
human existence, the ultimate source of unity for humanity, and the supreme model for human
endeavor and work.

- Christ, key to history: Jesus Christ is not just a figure in history but the central figure around whom
all of human history revolves. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are seen as pivotal events
that shape the course of history and provide the ultimate meaning and purpose to human existence.

- Only Christ, made man, is the greatest mystery of creation: This emphasizes the unique and
profound mystery of the Incarnation—the belief that the eternal Son of God took on human flesh in
the person of Jesus Christ.

- Christ is the ultimate source and the supreme root of the entire human community: Christ's role
as the source of unity and redemption for all humanity.

- Christ is the supreme model of man's work: Christ as the perfect example for how humans should
live and work. His life of humility, love, and service serves as the ultimate model for human behavior
and ethics.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL PRINCIPLE:
The anthropological principle focuses on the inherent dignity and value of every human being. It is
based on the belief that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, which bestows intrinsic
worth and rights upon every individual.

•Total primacy of man over all material order: Significant degree of control or dominion over the
material world. It suggests that humans have the ability to shape and manipulate the environment to
meet their needs and desires.

• Not tyrannical: emphasizes that the authority humans have over the material order should not be
exercised in a tyrannical or oppressive manner. Instead, it should be wielded with respect, justice, and
care for the well-being of the world and its inhabitants.

•Good administrator, But with limitations. E.G: he cannot alter the seasons of the year: while
humans can influence and manipulate the environment to some extent, they cannot fundamentally
alter natural laws or control every aspect of the world.

Anthropological is also a principle of human dignity.:

•This dignity is possessed by being created in the image of God:

•Two features: intelligence and freedom.

•One unit: body and soul.

•Man is the second cause of creation.

IUSNATURALIST PRINCIPLE:
The iusnaturalist principle relates to the natural law, which is understood as the moral order inherent
in the world, discernible through human reason. This principle asserts that nature itself reflects God's
design and that humans must respect and care for the environment.

● Order in nature: the inherent order and harmony in the natural world.
● Divine origin. (remember the theological principle): the iusnaturalist principle
acknowledges the divine origin of natural law. It posits that the moral order discernible
through human reason is ultimately rooted in God's design and reflects his will for humanity.
● Also: material goods, regulates economics, fair and unfair law, etc: the iusnaturalist
principle acknowledges the divine origin of natural law. It posits that the moral order
discernible through human reason is ultimately rooted in God's design and reflects his will for
humanity.
● Distinction between Natural Law and Positive Law + Legal Positivism:
➔ Natural Law: Natural law theory posits that there are moral principles inherent in the
nature of the world and discernible through human reason. These principles are
considered universal, objective, and applicable to all human beings regardless of
cultural or legal context. Natural law is often associated with concepts of inherent
human rights and justice that transcend human-made laws.
➔ Positive Law: Positive law refers to the body of laws that have been enacted by
human authority, such as legislative bodies or governments. Positive law is created,
interpreted, and enforced by human institutions and is contingent upon social,
 political, and historical circumstances. It can vary significantly from one society to
another and may not always align with natural law principles.
➔ Legal positivism: According to legal positivism, law is not inherently linked to
natural or moral principles but is instead a product of human decision-making and
societal norms. Legal positivists argue that the existence and legitimacy of law
depend on its formal enactment by recognized legal authorities, regardless of its
moral content.

Paul VI develops the following affirmations:

1.Is there really a natural right? Yes.

2.Is this natural law enough to guide the social life of man? No, it needs positive coded, social
expression.

3.Is positive law by itself a just/fair law? If it is conforming to the natural law, yes. Otherwise, no.

CHAPTER 2.1: THE MAN

The christian concept of person:

The Christian understanding of personhood emerges from a unique historical development of

philosophical and theological reflections that distinguish it from other religious traditions. This
concept responds to various existential and metaphysical inquiries raised by human existence.
● Christ one person, two natures: Central to Christian theology is the doctrine that in Jesus
Christ, there is one person with two distinct natures: divine and human.

● Man is not only a sociable being, but necessarily a social one: This means that human
beings are fundamentally interconnected with one another, existing within various social
structures and relationships. The recognition of man's social nature underscores the
importance of community, solidarity, and mutual responsibility in the Christian understanding
of human existence.

Aristotle (367 b.C – 322 b.C)

● Father of western philosophy.

● Plato's disciple.
● He taught Alexander the Great.
● Founded the Lyceum of Athens.
 ● The CST emphasizes that man is a social being: Catholic Social Teaching underscores the
social nature of humanity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within
communities and societies
● Aristotle does the same, he calls it "political animal”: Aristotle famously referred to
humans as "political animals" in his work "Politics." By this, he meant that human beings are
naturally inclined to live together in communities, or polis (city-state), where they can pursue
their full potential as rational and moral beings.
● What is proper and natural is to build a polis.

➔ intelligence and rationality -> constitutive of the essence of man -> foundation of
sociability: Both Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and Aristotle regard intelligence and
rationality as fundamental aspects of human nature. According to CST, humans possess
reason and intellect, enabling them to comprehend the world, make moral choices, and form
meaningful connections with others. Similarly, Aristotle views intelligence and rationality as
inherent to human essence, essential for fostering social bonds and facilitating ethical conduct
within the polis (city-state).

Nature of man

● An individual unit: Each human being is an individual unit, possessing unique

characteristics, experiences, and identity
● Unrepeatable:: Human beings are unrepeatable entities, meaning that each individual
is one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated or duplicated
● Not made in series: Unlike manufactured goods produced in mass quantities, human beings
are not created in series. Each person is the result of a singular and unrepeatable act of
creation, reflecting the infinite creativity of the Divine.
● Natural substance and personal:Human nature consists of both a natural substance and a
personal dimension. While humans share a common biological makeup (body), they also
possess unique personalities, consciousness, and self-awareness (soul), which contribute to
their individuality and personhood.
● Body and soul: The body provides the physical vessel through which individuals interact
with the world, while the soul encompasses the immaterial essence that animates and gives
meaning to human life.

MAN → PERSON

Every human being is a person. From the moment of conception until the death of him and always
maintains the same dignity.
Classical definitions
1.Boetius (480-524): “Individual substance of rational nature”:
2.Saint Thomas of Aquino (1225-1274): “Individual subsistent of rational nature. The most
perfect thing in nature”
BOETIUS
He points out two etymologies of the term person:
1.Prosopon (Greek) -> face or countenance: This word originally referred to the face or
countenance of an individual. Over time, it evolved to signify the outward appearance or mask worn
by actors in ancient Greek theater to represent different characters.
2.Persono (Latin) -> sound loudly or resonate: Derived from the Latin verb "personare," meaning
"to sound loudly" or "to resonate." In ancient Rome, this term was used in the context of theatrical
performances, where actors would wear masks and speak loudly to project their voices.

Over time, the term "person" came to be associated with individuals who possessed a certain dignity
or status, often based on their social or legal standing. This broader usage of the term reflected the
underlying concept of individual identity and uniqueness. Thus, without fully realizing it, the evolving
meaning of the word "person" gradually came to encapsulate the essence of what it means to be an
individual with inherent dignity and identity.

Aristotle

● Aristotle did not distinguish between substance and essence.

● When we ask ourselves about the substance of a thing, we answer with the essence.

Saint thomas of Aquino

● He distinguishes between being/ser (esse) and essence/esencia (essentia).

● Esse -> will make the substance exist in a special way: Existence, or esse, is not a mere
quality or property that a thing possesses; rather, it is the very act of being itself. It is the
actuality that gives substance its distinct existence and reality.
● Existence cannot be an accident, but what makes Pepa say that Pepa is a series of accidents.
● Essentia (Essence): Essence refers to the intrinsic nature or essential attributes of a thing that
define what it is. It encompasses the defining characteristics or properties that make
something what it is and distinguishes it from other things.
● Existence (esse) comes to finite beings from outside.
● Existence (esse) forms, together with essence (essential), a being.
● The act by which esse has an essentia is caused. And the cause is external.

Distinction between ACT and POTENCY

1. Act (Actus): Act refers to the actualization or realization of a potentiality. In the context of
CST, act encompasses the exercise of faculties such as intelligence and free will. For example,
when individuals use their reason and freedom to make moral decisions, they are acting in
accordance with their rational nature.
2. Potency (Potentia): Potency refers to the capacity or potential for action. In the context of
CST, potency encompasses the inherent potential for intelligence and free will that comes
with human rationality. Individuals possess the potential to exercise their faculties of reason
and freedom, even if they are not currently doing so.
REASON

● It provides the ability to get to know the world around us.

● Capture the essence of things.
● It gives us the ability to discover the Creator.

Is there an objective GOOD or EVIL?

● The good is what all beings want according to their own nature.
➔ Example: murder has always been a bad action regardless of the time in which it was
done
● Subjective good-> man's perception of what an action can bring him: pleasure, power,
economic increase, etc.

Double acting actions

Man is charged with the good and evil of his free acts (human acts).

For a double effect action to happen:

1.That the action is in itself good or at least indifferent: The action itself must be morally good or
at least morally indifferent. This means that the action should not be intrinsically evil or prohibited by
moral law.
2.That the end that the subject proposes is the good and not the bad: The intention behind the
action must be good.
3.That the first and immediate effect is good: The intended good effect must be the primary and
immediate result of the action. Any bad effects must be secondary or unintended consequences.
4.That there is a proportionate cause between the good and the bad effect: There must be a
proportionate reason for allowing the bad effect to occur. The good effect must outweigh the bad
effect, and the agent must not directly intend the bad effect but merely tolerate it as a side effect.

FREEDOM:

"Freedom is the power rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and
thus to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility. By free will, one shapes one's
own life. Freedom is in man a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness.

● NATURAL FREEDOM: It is in human nature as a faculty.

● MORAL AUTONOMY or moral freedom: You do not depend on anything or anyone to

choose between good and evil.

Moral autonomy is not licit according to the doctrine: "There is no more absurd and
dangerous assertion than this: that man, being naturally free, must live free from all law" Leo
XIII, Libertas 6. Good or evil is objective.
Conditions for freedom:

● Knowledge (reason): Individuals must possess knowledge or awareness of the options

available to them and the potential consequences of their actions.
● The will: The will refers to the faculty of desire or intention, through which individuals
actively choose or decide upon a course of action.
● The informed will: It involves a conscious reflection on the consequences of one's actions
and a commitment to acting in accordance with one's principles.
● What is going to be done and want to do it: This involves a genuine willingness and
commitment to the chosen course of action.

Only free acts are truly human acts

Intention or purpose:

Intentionality / purpose for which an individual performs a good or bad act: refers to the purpose or
motive behind an action—the reason why an individual chooses to perform a particular act.

➔ Ex: speak -> indifferent act + intentionality = slander or praise: For instance, consider the
act of speaking. In itself, speaking may be considered morally neutral, neither inherently good
nor bad. However, when performed with the intention of slandering someone, speaking takes
on a negative moral connotation—it becomes an act of defamation or harm.

Good action → can become better

Indifferent action →can become good ; IF THE PURPOSE IS GOOD

Bad action → can NOT become good ; even if the end is good
➔ Good intention does not authorize doing a bad action.

“It is not enough to do good actions, it is necessary to do them well”

CHAPTER 3: BIOETHICS

“Bioethics is the systematic and interdisciplinary study of man's actions on human, planet and animal
life, considering their anthropological and ethical implications in order to rationally see what is good
for man, future generations and the ecosystem, to find a possible clinical solution or develop an
adequate legal regulation”

Hippocratic Oath → 5th century B.C: The Hippocratic Oath, attributed to the ancient Greek
physician Hippocrates, outlines ethical principles for medical practitioners. It emphasizes the
importance of patient care, confidentiality, and the avoidance of harm, setting a foundation for
medical ethics.

Nuremberg Trial → 1945: The Nuremberg Trials, held in the aftermath of World War II, addressed
the ethical implications of human experimentation conducted by Nazi physicians during the
Holocaust. These trials established principles of informed consent, voluntary participation, and
protection of human subjects, laying the groundwork for modern research ethics.

Major advances in medical technology → 1960: The 1960s saw significant advancements in
medical technology, including organ transplantation, artificial life support, and genetic engineering.
These breakthroughs raised complex ethical questions regarding the boundaries of medical
intervention, the allocation of resources, and the implications for human dignity and rights.

THREE FUNDAMENTAL POSITIONS: The three fundamental positions regarding the

relationship between mind and body, or the nature of human beings

1. Materialism, biological reductionism or functionalism:

● Materialists assert that all phenomena, including consciousness and mental processes, can
ultimately be explained by physical matter and its interactions.
● Biological reductionism seeks to reduce complex psychological and cognitive processes to
biological mechanisms, such as brain functions or genetic determinants.
● Functionalism emphasizes the role of mental states in relation to their functions or roles
within the organism, focusing on how they contribute to adaptive behavior and survival.

- Peter Singer: Peter Singer is an Australian moral philosopher known for his work in applied ethics
and animal rights

- Hugo Tristram Engelhardt Jr: Hugo Tristram Engelhardt Jr. was an American philosopher and
bioethicist known for his contributions to biomedical ethics and philosophy of medicine.
2. Interactionist Dualism:

-Plato

-Descartes

● Interactionist dualism posits that the mind and body are distinct substances that interact with
each other. While they are separate entities, they influence each other's functioning.
● Plato's theory of the soul as distinct from the body, yet involved in a dynamic relationship,
reflects interactionist dualism.
● Descartes famously proposed the concept of dualism, suggesting that the mind (res cogitans)
and body (res extensa) are two fundamentally different types of substances, with the mind
exerting influence on the body through the pineal gland.

3. Dual unit:

- Aristotle

- Thomas Aquinas

● Dual unity posits that the mind and body are two aspects or dimensions of the same unified
entity, rather than separate substances.
● Aristotle's hylomorphic theory asserts that the soul (psyche) and body (soma) are
interdependent components of a unified human being. According to this view, the soul is the
form or organizing principle of the body.
● Thomas Aquinas integrated Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, arguing that the
soul is the substantial form of the body, animating and giving it its characteristic capacities
and functions.

TWO POSITIONS ON THE CONCEPT OF PERSON

1.Separation between the body and the personal dimension:

•Scientific view of corporeality: The body as a physical entity, subject to scientific observation and
analysis. It emphasizes the biological and physiological aspects of human existence, focusing on
factors such as genetics, neurobiology, and anatomy.

•There are bodies that are NOT a person: not all bodies are considered to possess personhood.
Instead, personhood is attributed to individuals who exhibit certain cognitive, psychological, or social
characteristics associated with self-awareness, rationality, and moral agency.

•Functionalist view of subjectivity: personhood is contingent upon the capacity to perform certain
mental functions or engage in complex behaviors indicative of personhood.
BIOETHICAL CURRENTS/schools:

1.Principialism:

Principialism emerged prominently with the publication of the Belmont Report in 1974, which was
commissioned by the United States government to outline ethical principles and guidelines for
research involving human subjects. Following this, Beauchamp and Childress further developed the
Principialist approach in their influential book "Principles of Biomedical Ethics," published in 1979.

–Belmont Report 1974: outlines ethical principles and guidelines for research involving human
subjects. It was produced by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of
Biomedical and Behavioral Research in response to ethical violations in research, particularly the
Tuskegee syphilis study.

Principles of belmont report:

● Respect for Persons: It requires researchers to obtain informed consent from participants,
ensuring that they understand the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the research
study.
● Beneficence: requires researchers to maximize benefits and minimize harm to research
participants
● Justice: Justice in research involves the fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of
research participation.

–Beauchamp and Childress 1979: In 1979, Tom L. Beauchamp and James F. Childress published
"Principles of Biomedical Ethics," which has become a seminal work in the field of bioethics.

Principles of beauchamp and childress:

● Autonomy: The right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives and
healthcare
● Non-maleficence: the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to their
patients.
● Beneficence: the duty of healthcare professionals to act in the best interests of their patients
and promote their well-being.
● Justice: to the fair distribution of healthcare resources, benefits, and burdens within society.

PERSONALISM WITH AN ONTOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

•Elio Segreccia: Elio Sgreccia was an Italian Catholic bioethicist and theologian known for his
contributions to the field of bioethics, particularly in the context of Catholic moral theology.

•It is opposed and can be complemented.: While Sgreccia's personalism offers a distinct perspective
within the broader landscape of bioethics, it may be opposed by other ethical frameworks that
prioritize different principles or emphasize alternative ontological foundations.

•Person: substantial union of soul and body

•Principles: respect for physical life, therapeutic principle, freedom + responsibility and justice.
ABORTION AND EUTHANASIA:

Abortion:

FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF SCIENCE

Biological status of the embryo = Zygote or unicellular embryo

CELL

"Basic structure and functional unit of people and all living things." +

• 1979 discovery of Alu sequences = Zygote as a cell is a unit of life and as a carrier of Alu sequences
in its genome, it is human life.

Human-specific markers and proteins:

1. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA): HLA genetic markers are unique to humans and are used in
organ transplant compatibility testing. The different HLA types are passed from parent to child and
are inherited in a Mendelian pattern.

2. Fetal hemoglobin.

3. Homeobox genes: homeobox genes are a family of genes found in all living things that play a
crucial role in embryonic development and the formation of organs and tissues. Humanspecific
homeobox genes are different from those of other species and are involved in the regulation of gene
expression during development.

4. Proteins specific to the human brain: there are many proteins found exclusively in the human
brain that are not found in other animals.

Some argue that the embryo or fetus is a potential human life.

The embryo has a unique biological structure, it is not an extension. From the moment of fertilization,
the embryo begins to develop autonomously.

New gene pool.

CONTINUOUS development. It is always the same human being., therefore is no potential human
life, is a human life since the first day.

LANGUAGE MANIPULATION

PRE-EMBRION

- 1984Warnock Committee: The Warnock Committee, officially known as the Committee of Inquiry
into Human Fertilisation and Embryology, was established in the United Kingdom to examine ethical
and legal issues related to human fertilization and embryology. In its report, the committee introduced
the term "pre-embryo" to refer to embryos that are less than 14 days old, a period considered
significant in the development of embryonic structures and the formation of the primitive streak.

- Pre-embryo: embryo less than 14 days old

- Ann McLaren (1986): "this term was coined because of some pressure from outside the scientific
community." D. Davies Embryo Research. Nature. 320 (1986) 208

VOLUNTARY INTERRUPTION OF PREGNANCY: 99,879 abortions per year*. Ministry of

Health in Spain (2020)

Does not include abortions as a result of IVF techniques.

Jérôme Lejeune: April 23, 1981 Special Committee of the U.S. Senate "Accepting the fact that, after
fertilization, a new human being has come into existence is no longer a matter of taste or opinion. It is
not a metaphysical hypothesis, but experimental evidence.

" Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (Donum Vitae, 1987): "From the moment the egg is
fertilized, a life is inaugurated that is not that of the father or the mother, but that of a new human
being that develops on its own. It will never become human if it is not already human. To this
longstanding evidence modern genetic science provides precious confirmations.

LAWS

Three moments:

Law 9/1985 (repealed) : It legalized abortion in certain circumstances, such as in cases of rape, fetal
malformation, or risk to the physical or mental health of the mother. However, it was restrictive
compared to later laws.

Law 2/ 2010 (as amended) : It liberalized abortion laws in Spain, allowing women to access abortion
on request during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

The law also permitted abortion beyond 14 weeks in cases of fetal malformation incompatible with
life or serious risk to the physical or mental health of the mother. Additionally, it allowed abortion at
any time if there was a risk to the life or health of the mother.

Law 1/2023 (current) :Guarantee the right to abortion in public hospitals, i.e., that the autonomous
communities organize their resources so that all women can terminate their pregnancies in a public
center, at least in the provincial capitals.

Preserves the right of 16- and 17-year-old girls to decide to terminate a pregnancy without having to
have their parents' authorization.

Maintains the deadlines of the 2010 law.

Spanish Constitution 1978:

Art. 14: "Spaniards are equal before the law, without any discrimination on the grounds of birth, race,
sex, religion, opinion or any other personal or social condition or circumstance".

Art. 15: "everyone has the right to life and physical integrity".
OBJECTIVES

● It eliminates the obligation to provide the pregnant woman with information on maternity
benefits in advance.
● It eliminates the three days of reflection that were mandatory until now.

RECORD CREATION ( OBJECIÓN DE CONCIENCIA)

Register of conscientious objectors: it will be set up in each autonomous region, and professionals
who wish to register must do so in advance and in writing; and, the text specifies, once declared
objectors, these professionals will be so for both the public and private spheres.

RESPONSE OF THE MAGISTERIUM OF THE CHURCH: BISHOPS' NOTE IN DEFENSE

OF LIFE (OCTOBER 10, 2022)

First of all, we express our concern and our rejection of the approval of the new abortion law. There
are several reprehensible aspects of this law, among which we can highlight the following:

● Enact abortion as a right.

● The possibility for 16 and 17 year old girls to have an abortion without parental consent.
● Making it compulsory for physicians who refuse to perform abortions to register as
conscientious objectors.
● The elimination of the reflection period before abortion and of information on alternatives to
abortion.

VARIOUS METHODS OF ABORTION:

Various methods:

Taking into account: available means, mother's age , age of fetus Chemical abortion (4 to 7 weeks):

Methods:

● Chemicals
● RU 483
● ELLAONE
● PROSTAGLANDINS: These medications are often used in combination with RU-486 to
induce contractions and expel the contents of the uterus.

Surgical intervention (8 weeks) :

● Suction or suction (first trimester to week 12) : the use of suction to remove the contents of
the uterus, including the embryo or fetus and placental tissue.
● Curettage (12-14 weeks) : Involves scraping the uterine lining to remove the contents of the
uterus
● Intraamniotic saline injection: injecting a saline solution into the amniotic sac to induce
labor and expel the fetus.
● "mini caesarean section"(Period → 15- 16 weeks.) : This surgical procedure involves
dilating the cervix and removing the fetus in pieces using forceps or suction.
 ● Partial birth D and X ( up to week 22 / also after week 22): This controversial procedure
involves partially delivering the fetus intact, feet first, and then terminating the pregnancy by
collapsing the fetal skull before completing delivery.

POST-ABORTION SYNDROME

● Depression
● Disinterest
● Anorexia-Bulimia
● Frigidity
● Sexual dysfunctions (30-50%)
● Breakup of your partner (70%)
● Self-harm, suicidal ideation (60%)
● Inability to concentrate
● Anxiety crisis, aggressiveness

Justification for the negativity of abortion.

Natural law defines what is right or wrong, an example being human rights, which are the
same for everyone. Abortion can never be justified as a woman's right.

➔ Iusnaturalist principle.
➔ Anthropological principle, dignity of the human person and its value.
➔ Theological principle, one does not kill anyone because of the sacredness of human life.

EUTHANASIA:

Definition: The action or omission, by the doctor or another person, with the intention of causing the
death of a terminal or highly dependent patient, out of compassion.

● Means good death.

● Comes from the Greek eu=good and thanatos=death. The term "good death" has evolved.

ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF EUTHANASIA

1. Respect for individual freedom.

2. Right to choose or refuse medical treatment.

3. The lack of quality of life that some illnesses or situations entail.

4. The intervention of the physician is always necessary and convenient.

At the present time:

It is NOT a crime in: Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, New
Zealand and some states in Australia.

Assisted suicide: Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Belgium, Colombia, Luxembourg, Germany,some

U.S.states,some Australian states.

PALLIATIVE CARE:

Maintain and improve the living conditions of patients whose diseases no longer respond to curative
treatment. They try to control not only pain and other bothersome symptoms but also suffering to
ensure that these patients live their last months or days to the fullest and have a good death.

European Society for Palliative Care: "is the care given to a patient with a life-threatening illness,
in an advanced stage and not affected by curative treatments".

Goal of PCs: control of pain and other symptoms, so that the patient can remain alert and
comfortable. The key is intention.

PROPOSED ORGANIC LAW REGULATING EUTHANASIA ( SPAIN)

Proposal January 31, 2020

● Motivation: in response to a social demand, compassionate reason...

● Assistance in dying benefit: Spaniards over 18 years old, have information on your medical
condition and alternatives, request the application voluntarily,suffer from a serious illness...
● Approved under Organic Law 3/2021.

SLIPPERY SLOPE OR INCLINED PLANE

The Netherlands.
The concept of the "slippery slope" or "inclined plane" refers to the concern that once a certain action
or practice is legalized or accepted in society, it may lead to a gradual and unintended expansion of its
scope, potentially resulting in undesirable consequences. In the context of euthanasia, this concept
suggests that legalizing euthanasia in certain cases could eventually lead to its application in situations
that were not initially intended or justified.

In the Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal under certain circumstances, concerns have been raised
about the possibility of a slippery slope effect.

Elisabeth Mahase, writing for the British Medical Journal in 2019, highlighted how the social climate
in the Netherlands may influence physicians and family members to increasingly consider euthanasia
for patients who are unconscious or incapable of expressing their wishes, even if they have not
explicitly authorized it beforehand.
FIVE CONDITIONS FOR DECRIMINALIZING EUTHANASIA IN THE NETHERLANDS

Initially, these were the five conditions for decriminalizing euthanasia:

1. Free and voluntary request of the patient: The patient must make a clear and uncoerced request
for euthanasia without any external pressure or influence.

2. Stable request:The patient's request for euthanasia must be consistent over time, indicating a
persistent desire to end their life.

3. Intolerable suffering with no prospect of improvement: Euthanasia may only be considered if

the patient is experiencing unbearable suffering that cannot be alleviated through available medical
treatments and interventions.

4. Last resource: should only be considered as a last resort when all other options for alleviating the
patient's suffering have been exhausted.

5. Physician's duty to consult the case: The physician must consult with at least one other
independent physician to review the case and ensure that all legal and ethical criteria for euthanasia
are met.

The Netherlands complies with the slippery slope theory:

A: Law authorizing euthanasia if three requirements are met:

➔ Full voluntariness
➔ Terminally ill condition
➔ Suffering excruciating pain

B: Non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia is allowed (coma patients, newborns with

malformations, demented elderly, mentally ill...).

C: Euthanasia or assisted suicide is allowed in incurable, non-terminal patients, or those who are not
in an irreversible situation, or with curable diseases.

D: Euthanasia is allowed for reasons of psychological suffering, quality of life, feeling of being an
economic burden, etc

ARGUMENTS AGAINST EUTHANASIA

1. Slippery slope.

2. Lack of real self-determination.

3. Reduction of palliative care.

4. Deformation of the medical sense.