“Mercy” means leniency and compassion, commonly granted to offenders by those who have the power or authority to punish them for their wrongs. It can also include kind and compassionate behavior toward others. Mercy is a basic virtue of all major religions.
In ethics, mercy is often thought to be at odds with justice, although Aristotle thought that justice and mercy are reconcilable if properly understood.
The term “mercy killing” encompasses killing to prevent further suffering. But the ethical complexities of mercy killing are challenging… whether it’s a grievously injured enemy soldier who is pleading for a quick death or a cancer patient in serious pain and whose death is inevitable.
Many people believe that beneficence, which includes acts of mercy, kindness and charity, is an essential part of an ethical framework.
And while some philosophies hold that beneficence is required, others think it only voluntary.