Euthanasia Flashcards
What does euthanasia mean?
Euthanasia means good death, and usually refers to the mercy killing of an ill patient
What is voluntary euthanasia?
Voluntary euthanasia refers to when a person’s life is ended at their own request, usually as a result of a terminal illness
What is non-voluntary euthanasia?
Where a person’s life is ended without their consent as they are unable to give consent
What is active euthanasia?
A treatment is given that causes death
What is passive euthanasia?
A treatment is withheld, and this indirectly causes death
What is autonomy?
Refers to human freedom to make own choices. Decisions about whether a life is valuable ought morally to be up to the individua whose life it is
What is the deontological (absolute) view of autonomy?
Nozick is a libertarian, meaning he believes people have the absolute right to do whatever they please, so long as they are not harming others, no matter the situation.
What did Nozick argue for?
The principle of self-ownership, meaning we have property rights over our own lives and bodies. If a person wants to die and receive help from others, then this must be their right
What are the downsides of Nozick’s approach?
People may choose euthanasia for short-sighted reasons, such as when in the temporary grip of a negative emotion.
How does Singer combat this?
Singer takes a more consequentialist view of autonomy. He is not an absolutist about autonomy as he doesn’t want to make it easy for people to end their lives when they have a treatable condition.
What example does Singer give?
Example of a young person wanting euthanasia due to depression over relationship issues. Singer argues that we can safely predict that they will come to view their life as worth living again and the value of that overrides the temporary violation their autonomy when denying them euthanasia
Who was Singer influenced by?
Singer’s consequentialist approach to autonomy was influenced by Mill. Mill didn’t comment on euthanasia directly, however his philosophy formed the basis for justifying the autonomy principle. He developed political liberalism. Mill believed people would be happier if granted individual freedom. Individuals are in the best position to judge what is best for them.
