The value of human and non-human life

Theme B2 covers the sanctity/value of life, environmental ethics, and the use of animals. AQA requires religious and non-religious views on dominion, stewardship, animal rights and the use of animals.

The sanctity and value of human life

Sanctity of life is the doctrine that human life is sacred, set apart, and intrinsically valuable — not to be violated.

• Christianity: Humans are created imago Dei (in God's image — Genesis 1:27) — this gives every person unique dignity and moral worth. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5). The Catholic Church teaches the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
• Islam: The Qur'an declares: "Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption in the land — it is as if he had slain mankind entirely" (Qur'an 5:32). Human life (nafs) is a trust from Allah; only Allah gives and takes life.
• Humanism: Human life is valuable because of its capacity for consciousness, reason, love and happiness — not because of divine creation. Peter Singer argues for a "preference utilitarian" approach: what matters is the capacity to experience suffering, not species membership.

Dominion vs stewardship

Genesis 1:28 — "Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature."

Two interpretations divide Christians and shape environmental ethics:

Position	Interpretation	Environmental implication
Dominion	Humans have God-given authority over creation	Humans may use nature for their benefit; less urgent to limit exploitation
Stewardship	Humans manage creation on God's behalf; accountable to God	Humans must care for the environment; environmental ethics is a religious duty

Most contemporary theologians favour stewardship. Pope Francis' Laudato Si' (2015) is the most significant modern Catholic statement: "The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth." He calls for an "integral ecology."

Islamic environmental ethics:

• Humans are khalifah (stewards/vicegerents) on Earth (Qur'an 2:30).
• Mizan (balance) — Allah created the world in balance; humans must not disturb it.
• Tawhid — all creation glorifies Allah; destroying it is an act of ingratitude.
• Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established hima (protected zones) and emphasised replanting trees even at the end of the world.

Humanist environmental ethics:

• Humans have a responsibility to protect the environment because our survival depends on it and because we care about future generations.
• Secular ethics: intergenerational justice — we must not deprive future people of a healthy planet.

Animal rights and the use of animals

Do animals have rights?

• Peter Singer (Animal Liberation, 1975): animals can suffer; "the capacity for suffering… is the vital characteristic that gives a being the right to equal consideration." Advocates sentientism.
• Tom Regan: animals are "subjects-of-a-life" with inherent value — not merely instruments.

Religious views on animals:

• Christianity (traditional): Animals were given for human use (Genesis 1:28; 9:3 — "Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you"). However, Proverbs 12:10 — "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal." St Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals.
• Christianity (progressive/stewardship): Animals have value as God's creatures; unnecessary suffering is wrong; some Christians advocate vegetarianism.
• Islam: Animals are Allah's creatures that glorify him. Causing unnecessary suffering (ta'dhib) is forbidden. Halal slaughter requires minimal suffering. Hunting for sport is discouraged. However, animals may be used for food, work and medicine.

Specific uses of animals:

Use	Christian view	Muslim view	Humanist view
Food	Generally permitted; some vegetarians	Halal meat permitted; pork forbidden	Permissible; many Humanists support animal welfare
Scientific testing	Divided; acceptable if necessary, minimise suffering	Permitted if for genuine human benefit and minimising harm	Divided; many accept if necessary; prefer alternatives
Pets	Generally positive; responsible care required	Permitted (with exceptions, e.g. dogs traditionally discouraged indoors)	Generally positive
Hunting/sport	Traditional: permitted; progressive: unnecessary cruelty	Discouraged unless for food	Opposed if purely for sport

Examiner tips

• For 12-mark questions, contrast dominion vs stewardship within Christianity, then add an Islamic or Humanist view.
• Quote Laudato Si', Genesis 1:28, Qur'an 2:30 and 5:32.
• Reference Peter Singer for the non-religious side on animal rights.