euth - 1.Assess the view that situation ethics is of no help with regard to the issue of euthanasia

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

• Euthanasia is the hastening of someone’s death
• Situations ethics looks at the most loving thing to do in each individual situation – using agape
• It is of help

Question 2

paragraph 1

Answer 2

• Fletcher, sanctity of life is not complete
• Use of personalism (people and their welfare, importance of autonomy) and pragmatism (we should do whatever is likely to work)
• We are not simply given rules to obey but we are using reason and can think of how to serve love
• Useful for an issue as complex of euthanasia in which every case and person differs
• What may be loving for one is not what is loving for another

Question 3

paragraph 2

Answer 3

• This can be seen a quite vague and people may do different things as there are no rules
• As there are lacks of absolute boundaries this leads to a slippery slope
• What may be loving for one is not what is loving for another can be seen as a disadvantage and not useful to an issue as complex as euthanasia
• Need clear absolute decisions
• HOWEVER, this is not a strong argument as we should respect individual’s autonomy
• And modern technology and knowledge means that we can know who is worth saving

Question 4

paragraph 3

Answer 4

• Natural law can be seen as an alternative to use so we can understand who is worth saving
• Looks at the 4 tiers of law – eternal law, God, he controls who lives or dies
• Upholding the sanctity of life and defending out rights, with no one playing God
• HOWEVER, this does not place any weight on human autonomy and has not way of helping to relieve pain
• Argument is a weakness when compared to situation ethics where we have autonomy and our own decisions, we are respected and what is done in each situation is best
• Supported by Singer – need to reduce pain (euthanasia is ok)

Question 5

conclusion

Answer 5

• Situation ethics is most helpful when considering euthanasia