The Debate Concerning The Morality Of Euthanasia - 915 Words

Americans , arguably more than any other nationality, have a right to their opinion and there exists few subjects that generate more opinions than does euthanasia. The debate concerning the morality of euthanasia parsimoniously rests on the moral assessment of whether or not the physician intentionally kills or intentionally let die the patient. An assumption has been perpetuated that there is a line of demarcation between intending to let die and intending to kill. This pseudo-practical barrier is so relevant that our laws have determined that killing for humane reasons is morally inferior to letting someone die an agonizing and prolonged death. The problem with either position is that they are based on emotions disguised as morality. I believe that the emotional and moral challenge occurs at the moment â€Å"the initial decision not to prolong his agony has been made† (Rachels, 1975) not when intending to kill or intending to let die. I argue that in light of the initial de cision to allow death and alleviate suffering that there exists a moral distinction between intending to let die and intending to kill especially since it was the initial decision that dictated the intention. It is at that moment that active euthanasia becomes the most morally relevant option. Active euthanasia and passive euthanasia are two topics that have generated much of the debate over end of life choices for terminally ill patients. Active euthanasia occurs when someone other than the patient actsShow MoreRelatedUtilitarianism : The Morally Right Action1194 Words   |  5 PagesTulasha Thapa Final Paper Utilitarianism Utilitarianism states, â€Å"The morally right action is determined by the consequences of the action, not the motives of the agent†. Utilitarianisms consider happiness to be the foundation of morality. The famous version, â€Å"act utilitarianism,† says the morally right action is the one that brings about the greatest consequence of the greatest number of people. Mill thought it was obvious that everyone ultimately wants to be happy, so he made this the foundationRead MoreThe Theory Of Utilitarianism By John Stuart Mill1659 Words   |  7 Pagesobtains calculated values from multiple circumstances, ranging from the intensity to the extent of pain and pleasure that becomes involved within the decision. A large controversial topic involving utilitarianism is terminal illness and whether euthanasia is acceptable or unacceptable. Furthermore, within this paper the discussion of whether utility is morally acceptable will explain why life is more than just pleasure and pai n. The claim of this paper is to examine the process of utilitarianismRead MoreThe Controversial Issue Of Euthanasia1680 Words   |  7 PagesEuthanasia For a long time, euthanasia has been a controversial issue in countries all around the globe. However, with active technological progress, this topic becomes more urgent than 50 years ago. Undoubtedly, it is influenced by many factors. One of the leading debatable points is the invention and improvement of artificial life support devices. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of this theme as it is related to the most important value of each person – their life and lives of theirRead MoreEuthanasia Is The Other Form And It Takes Place Against The Patient s Consent1005 Words   |  5 PagesInvoluntary euthanasia is the other form and it takes place against the patient’s consent. Finally, non-voluntary euthanasia is whereby a physician carries out the act despite the fact that the patient does not have the ability to make the decision. To understand the slippery slope here, it is important to take note of the fact that all these forms of euthanasia are morally demeaning since they do not uphold the right to life. Legalizing PAS would, therefore, imply that the right to life is beingRead MoreEssay The Physician-Assisted Suicide Argument985 Words   |  4 PagesDesperate and in pain, the man asks the policeman to shoot him and save him the pain of dying a slow and insufferable death. As a result, he shoots. The policeman’s dilemma is commonly referenced in support of physician-assisted-suicide, or PAS. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are interchangeable terms which both lead to the death of an individual. Voluntary PAS is a medical professional, usually a physician, who provides medication or other procedures with the intention of ending the patient’s lifeRead MoreThe Ethical Decision Making Process1253 Words   |  6 PagesAbortion remains controversial and a highly debated subject. The ethical debate concerning abortion is the considerations of a woman’s autonomy and the rights of the woman and the unborn child. Th e parent/ child relationship and assessing the best interests of potential children also provide considerable scope for ethical discussion. (Jones K, Chaloner C 2007). A factor in the ethical future of abortion is the perception of morality, or of actively ending the life of an unborn human being. This processRead MoreMoral Question of Hastening the Death of a Terminally Ill Patient1220 Words   |  5 Pagescome through as weather the practice of euthanasia is an ethically correct medical procedure. There are many decisions that must be made regarding how to properly treat a individual who want to end there own life. Controversial views have always been made against those who suggest that terminally ill or incurably suffering people should be allowed to ask for and receive help to die if they so wish. The same set of arguments in opposition toward euthanasia is, that life is sacred and by legalizingRead MoreLaw Morality Essay2211 Words   |  9 PagesConsider the view that there is a close relationship between law and morality. Examine the debate as to whether the law should reflect moral values, and discuss issues, which show the continuing importance of that debate. (30marks + 5 for AO3) A definition of law adapted from LB Curzon, Dictionary of Law states â€Å" the law is a set of rules which are binding among the people of a community or a state, so that they will be imposed upon and enforced among those persons by appropriate sanctions†.Read MorePersuasive Essay On Euthanasia1430 Words   |  6 Pageswould that answer change if you were suffering? Euthanasia, also known as â€Å"good death,† is the act of putting a living thing to death painlessly or allowing them to die by withholding extreme medical practices, such as withholding food. Then there is involuntary euthanasia: â€Å"a competent person’s life is brought to an end despite an explicit rejection of euthanasia† as stated by Robert Young, the author of Medically Assisted Death. In the case of euthanasia, many people will argue that it is murder, butRead MoreThe Second World War1598 Words   |  7 PagesGermany . Consequently, the trial revived the broader question of whether laws which are inherently immoral can be considered valid law. Moreover, the trial generated fresh debate within jurisprudence, in turn leading many to criticise the previously prominent ideas of Legal Positivism , which in layman’s terms separated law from morality and credited as valid law any bill provided it had gone through the recognised legislative system of a sovereign . Instead, academics moved towards modern theories of