Euthanasia Flashcards
Aquinas
euthanasia is not moral due to his primary precepts
sancticity of life - only god can decide when and how you die
primary precept of preserving life would label euthanasia as immoral
if pain relief shortens life that is moral (physical aid in dying)
Fletcher
agape must be maximised for it to be moral
euthanasia may be most loving due to amount of pain person is in
opposed rigid rules such as human law
Bentham
if euthanasia maximises pleasure and minimises pain then its morally right
ethical decisions based on hedonic calculus
Mill
higher pleasures such as personal autonomy are more important than lower pleasures such as physical sensations
harm principle
supports voluntary euthanasia
Define voluntary euthanasia
a person who chooses euthanasia and explicitly want to die
Define non-voluntary euthanasia
when a person cannot make the decision themselves due to something like brain damage, so someone decides to end their life on their behalf
Define Involuntary euthanasia
when a person is euthanised without their consent even when they could have made the decision
Define active euthanasia
a deliberate act is taken to euthanise someone e.g. lethal injection
What act made suicide illegal in the UK and punishable for up to 14 years
1961 suicide act
Explain Tony Nicklinson 2012 UK
he had Locked in syndrome and UK courts ruled against his request for euthanasia
What are 4 arguements for euthanasia
- Autonomy and right to die
- compassion
- quality of life
- regulation of euthanasia is possible - such as dignitas
What are 4 arguements against euthanasia
- sancticity of life
- slippery slope of legalisation
- pallitative care is an alternative
- medical ethics (doctors save lives not end them)
What is Dignitas
Suicide clinic in switzerland - used by over 2000 UK Citizens
