Euthanasia Is Morally Permissible - 850 Words

Euthanasia, as defined by many philosophers, should only be morally permissible in certain circumstances where it benefits the one who dies. It is a widely held belief that an act of euthanasia aims at benefiting the one who dies. Using Kantian ethics as a model, one can determine that: It is morally permissible to engage in voluntary acts of euthanasia; it is morally permissible to engage in acts of nonvoluntary euthanasia, and; it is never morally permissible to engage in acts of involuntary euthanasia. It is necessary to explore the different types of euthanasia first in order to fully understand what is involved in determining the moral worth of such acts. The two forms of euthanasia, active and passive, involve the actions of either ‘killing’ or ‘letting die’. An active form of euthanasia refers to the act of purposely taking positive measures, such as lethal injection, to bring about a person’s death. Thus, it is referred to as ‘killing’ many standards. On the other hand, a ‘passive’ form of euthanasia involves the action of either discontinuing medical treatment, or not giving treatment at all. James Rachels and Philippa Foot, both philosophers, have explored the realm of euthanasia from different moral points of view. In James Rachels’ essay, â€Å"Euthanasia and Suicide: Active and Passive Euthanasia†, he states that neither active nor passive euthanasia are morally different from each other because the intent is the same for both types: to benefit the one who is toShow MoreRelatedEuthanasia Is Morally Permissible?973 Words   |  4 Pages Euthanasia means the painless killing of patients suffering from an incurable and painful diseases or in an irreversible coma, it is also known as â€Å"assisted suicide† or ‘mercy killing’. James Rachel asks a very interesting question to the reader. He asks if active euthanasia is morally permissible? Je has an affirmative stance and defends the idea and brings it one step forward to say that there is nor should there be any difference between active and passive euthanasia. Rachel creates a distinctionRead MoreEuthanasia Is Morally Permissible?1389 Words   |  6 PagesEuthanasia means,’ the painless killing of patients suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma, also known as â€Å"assisted suicide† or ‘mercy killing’’. James Rachel asks a very interesting question to the reader. He asks if active euthanasia is morally permissible. Rachel creates a distinction between active and passive euthanas ia for the reader. Furthermore he not only defends the idea but he brings it one step forward to say that there is nor should there be any differenceRead MoreIs Euthanasia Morally Permissible?1353 Words   |  6 Pagesquality of life is very low and has no chance of improving. During these situations allowing the person to end their life via euthanasia should be allowed. I will argue that Euthanasia is morally permissible in some cases because there are several moral justifications that argue for ending one’s life. It’s essential to understand that there are a few forms of euthanasia. The first form would be DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) which translates to letting someone die. Under this circumstance we are no furtherRead MoreIs Euthanasia Be A Morally Permissible Action?957 Words   |  4 Pagesaddress the topic of euthanasia. I will cover the philosophy behind why it is not a regular practice, and differentiate between multiple forms. After introducing the issue, itself I will speak briefly on the legality of the issue. This should result in the principles of myself, Peter Singer, Don Marquis, and Michael Tooley all being brought together in this discussion. Ultimately, I will lead this discussion into the direction of why I have found euthanasia to be a morally permissible action. Why doRead MoreThe Ethics Of Non Voluntary Active Euthanasia1050 Words   |  5 PagesThe idea of non-voluntary active euthanasia is not such a disaster, as euthanasia itself. The problem that comes into consideration is when and why it should be used. When euthanasia is non-voluntary and active, such as on a patient with dementia, the ethical decision comes into play if there are episodes of clarity and the patient has or has not mentioned what they want to do at the end of life situations. Principles of deontology suggest duty and obligation. A medical professional in such situationsRead MoreVoluntary Active Euthanasia Essay1010 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is morally permissible? Voluntary Active Euthanasia is a controversial subject, Does one have the right to end their own life? According to Peter Singer in â€Å"Voluntary Euthanasia: A utilitarian Perspective,† Voluntary Active Euthanasia is morally permissible under certain circumstances. If and only if certain requirements are met by certain parties can the process of voluntary active euthanasia be completed. Certain situations where Voluntary Active Euthanasia is morally permissible include;Read MoreThe Moral Permissibility of Legalizing Active Euthanasia Essay1442 Words   |  6 PagesPermissibility of Legalizing Active Euthanasia To date, in the united States of America, active euthanasia has been seen as unacceptable in legal terms. However, the issue is not so clear in moral terms among the public, and especially among the medical community. In fact, nearly half of the doctors in the United States say that they would prescribe active euthanasia under certain circumstances. The law that prohibits active euthanasia restricts many people fromRead MoreEuthanasia Often Surfaces In Mainstream News As Being A1238 Words   |  5 PagesEuthanasia often surfaces in mainstream news as being a highly controversial issue, with strong arguments for both positions. To be clear, euthanasia can be defined as the following, â€Å"Intentionally taking the life of a presumably hopeless person† (Gay-Williams, 781). There are also several other distinctions that classify euthanasia as either active or passive, based on the level of action involved, or as voluntary, involuntary, or non-voluntary, based on the level of consent (Dittmer). However,Read MoreEuthanasi The Complex Role Of The Physician With Physician Assisted Suicide1702 Words   |  7 Pagesof this thesis is to introduce euthanasia, the complex role of the physician with physician-assisted suicide (PAS) under the argument that it is not an issue of passive or active. Nor right or wrong. E uthanasia is defined as the act or practice of killing or allowing someone to die on grounds of mercy (Morally Disputed Issues: A Reader, 341). In its complexion euthanasia is not merely a dead or alive decision as it truly is at its core goal. There is passive euthanasia which is defined as withholdingRead MoreThe Argument Of Active And Passive Euthanasia1240 Words   |  5 PagesPassive Euthanasia,† In his article Rachel’s argues that both passive and active euthanasia are morally permissible and the doctors that is supported by the American Medical Association(AMA) is believed to be unsound. In this paper I will offer a thorough analysis of Rachel’s essay then so offer a critique in opposition of his arguments. In conclusion I will refute these oppositions claims by defending Rachel’s argument, and showing why I believe his claims that both active and passive euthanasia are