Suffering and compassion

Religious education

In this unit pupils will use a philosophical lens to consider what we mean by good. They will examine  various ethical answers given such deontology, utilitarianism and situation ethics. They will conclude by weighing up the issue of suffering in the world.

Ethics: how do we know what is 'good'?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

What does the word 'compassion' originally mean in Latin?

acts based on the greatest good for the greatest number

emphasises developing good character traits like kindness

focuses on agape love, showing unconditional care for others

treating others with dignity and respect, not as a means to an end

Match each ethical theory to its main focus.

Is compassion a reason to cause suffering?

Can compassion prevent suffering from happening?

Is suffering necessary to show compassion?

Does compassion make suffering fair or acceptable?

What is meant by the question 'Can compassion justify suffering?'?

Put the following steps in the correct order for preparing and writing a philosophical argument for a question such as 'Does compassion justify suffering?'.

Compassion leads us to ease others' pain, especially when the pain isn't needed.

Compassion can make suffering worthwhile by inspiring kindness.

Suffering is never acceptable but compassion helps reduce it.

Compassion helps us find meaning in suffering.

Which of the following statements are arguments in support of the idea that compassion justifies suffering?

Compassion makes suffering fair because it inspires selflessness.

Compassion should be about showing that suffering is never justified.

Compassion may not always help someone who is suffering.

The benefits of compassion are greater than the pain caused by suffering.

Which of the following statements are arguments in support of the idea that compassion does **not** justify suffering?

Moral evil is caused by human actions, while natural evil is not.

Natural evil is always intentional, while moral evil is accidental.

Moral evil occurs in nature, while natural evil is caused by humans.

Natural evil can be controlled by humans, while moral evil cannot.

What is the main difference between moral evil and natural evil?

Deontology focuses on rules or duties, whereas {{}} focuses on the consequences or outcomes of actions.

The rightness of an action depends on its consequences.

Actions are morally right if they follow universal moral rules.

Ethical decisions are based on the situation and guided by love.

Morality is determined by individual desires and personal goals.

Which of the following statements best describes Kant's approach to ethics?

Actions are right if they follow moral rules, regardless of the outcome.

The right action leads to the greatest good for the greatest number.

Ethical decisions are based on individual desires and personal goals.

The right action is determined by the character of the person performing it.

Which of the following statements best describes utilitarianism?

The right action is determined by following set rules or laws.

Moral decisions are based on the greatest good for the greatest number.

 Ethical decisions should be based on the situation and guided by love.

Actions are right if they are in line with one's personal character.

Which of the following statements best describes the principle of situation ethics?

Who is most commonly associated with the idea of eudaimonia or flourishing in ethics?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Suffering and compassion

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.