From the Greek eu (“good” or “easy”) and thanatos (“death”). Literally means “easy death.”
Etymology
The deliberate putting to death, in an easy, painless way, of an individual suffering from an incurable and agonizing disease, a marked deformity, or an unbearable and distressing disease.
Etymology
Known as ______, it is regarded as a merciful release from incurable and prolonged suffering.
Popular Term: mercy killing
The theory that in certain circumstances (e.g., disease, senility) where a person’s life has permanently ceased to be either agreeable or useful, the sufferer should be painlessly killed.
Core Theory
central moral issue revolves around? even to the individual’s last breath.
the preservation of human dignity in death
This means that an individual should have the autonomy to decide to die when dying is perceived as a better alternative than continuing to live in suffering. It is about control over one’s own existence.
Dying with Dignity
Euthanasia is classified as
self-administered or other-administered.
The individual allows themselves to die by refusing medical treatment or by not taking any medicine. An act of omission based on the patient’s own choice.
Self-Administered (Passive/Negative)
Key Feature:
An act of omission based on the patient’s own choice.
Self- administered
A physician, spouse, or friend intentionally terminates the patient’s life (e.g., via a lethal substance) upon the patient’s request.
Active and Voluntary
Key Feature:
Performed upon the patient’s explicit request.
Active and Voluntary
A physician, spouse, or relative allows a terminally ill patient to die by withholding or withdrawing treatment, but without the patient’s consent.
Passive and Involuntary
Key Feature:
Distinguished by the lack of patient consent.
Passive and Involuntary
Morally wrong as it is intentional killing, opposes the natural moral law (the inclination to preserve life), and may be performed for self-interest.
T. Gary Williams
( Against )
It is humane as it allows suffering to be brought to a speedy end. Active euthanasia can be morally right with proper intentions but is wrong with an ulterior motive.
James Rachels For (Conditionally)
Endorses both active and passive euthanasia with explicit patient consent. “Everyone has a right to life, hence it is what a person wants that counts.”
Philippa Foot
For (Conditionally)
Applies Ross’s theory of prima facie duties, arguing for a duty not to cause unnecessary suffering to others (i.e., a duty of beneficence and non-maleficence that could support euthanasia in cases of extreme agony).
Richard Brandt
( For )
Condemns mercy killing as intrinsically wrong (malum in se). It is the direct, deliberate killing of an individual and is considered murder.
Natural Law Ethics
Against (Condemns)
Judges based on consequences. Euthanasia could be justified if it ends profound suffering, thus producing the greatest happiness (or least unhappiness) for the greatest number, including the patient and family.
Utilitarian Principle
Potentially For
May endorse euthanasia under certain conditions if it is the most loving (agape), reiterative, beneficial, and integral thing to do in that specific situation.
Situation Ethics
For (Justifies)
There could be a stringent prima facie duty (e.g., beneficence, non-maleficence) to put a comatose patient to an easy death, depending upon a good motive. This duty must be weighed against other duties.
Ross’s Ethics (Prima Facie Duties)
Potentially For
A person’s inviolability demands that their dignity be preserved. Justice is served if their death is as painless and non-violent as possible.
Rawls’s Concept of Justice
For
We have a duty to preserve life and dignity. A comatose person loses their autonomous status, making the ethical calculation complex. Generally opposed as it could treat a person as a means to an end.
Kantian Ethics (Deontology)
Generally Against
The right of an individual to choose a peaceful death to avoid unbearable suffering, supported by Situation Ethics, Utilitarian outcomes, and the Concept of Justice.
- The Principle of Autonomy and Dignity
