Euthanasia

Question 1

What does euthanasia translate to?

Answer 1

Eu=good.
Thanatos=death

Question 2

Define active euthanasia

Answer 2

A treatment is given that directly and intentionally causes the death of a patient

Question 3

Define passive euthanasia

Answer 3

Withdrawing treatment from a patient , a method of killing which is indirect

Question 4

Define voluntary euthanasia

Answer 4

When a persons life is ended with their consent or at their request

Question 5

Define non-voluntary euthanasia

Answer 5

When a persons life is taken without their consent but which the consent of someone who represents their best interest e.g a Family member

Question 6

What is the acts verses omissions debate , from Hippocrates?

Answer 6

Hippocrates suggests that we can never cause death ( active is immoral) but their are some cases when upholding life becomes pointless( passive can be moral)

Question 7

What 3 things does Glover suggest the ‘helper’ should consider in voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 7

1 if the descision is serious
2 if the decision is reasonable
3 the circumstances

Question 8

What are the three common reasons for rejecting voluntary euthanasia ( which Glover called ‘side effects’) ?

Answer 8

1. Could lead to involuntary euthanasia- similar to the nazis who then forced disabled e.c.t to be euthanised
2. Discourage people from going to the hospital
   3 takes away from palliative care as people focus more on death

Question 9

How does Glover respond to the three common ‘side effects’ ?

Answer 9

1. Nazi policy came from an evil
   Ideology not voluntary euthanasia
2. We cannot predict people’s behaviour .we cannot for sure say they would stop going to the hospital
3. Euthanasia would not reduce the need to comfort someone -not likely to take away from palliative care

Question 10

What is the slippery slope argument ?

Answer 10

The idea that changing the laws on euthanasia may reduce respect for life and vulnerable individuals may feel pressured to euthanise which may never be able to stop and therefore involves reductio ad absurdum

Question 11

How can we support the slippery slope fallacy ?

Answer 11

Through the issue of abortion, when abortion was legalised it was envisaged that it may be a few thousand cases per year for medical reasons, however currently there are over 180,000 abortions in the uk each year

Question 12

Why might Palliative Care be seen as a better alternative to euthanasia ?

Answer 12

1. It is a holistic approach
2. Makes the patient comfortable
3. Provides all the support needed

Question 13

How can we counter the slippery slope argument ?

Answer 13

Peter singer -example of the Netherlands where their are only two possible cases of someone being forced to euthanise

Helga Kuhse - euthanasia is a scaremonger , challenges supporters of the slippery slope for evidence , she uses the example of Dutch society to suggest their is no evidence.

Question 14

How can the idea of nazi eugenics be countered ?

Answer 14

Helga Kuhse- argues it is wrong to discuss Nazi eugenics in a euthanasia discussion as they had no respect for mercy or autonomy- invalid comparison

Question 15

What does glover say about autonomy in regards to voluntary euthanasia ?

Answer 15

“To refuse to provide help us a very serious denial of the persons autonomy”

Question 16

What does Daniel Maguire say about respecting life ?

Answer 16

Important to respect and value life (sanctity of life) but one should not always preserve life in every situation

Question 17

What myth does Dr Hooper debunk ?

Answer 17

“The myth that doctors are to preserve life; they are not. Their prime purpose is to relieve suffering.