Euthanasia Flashcards
What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia literally means a “good death.” It refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering. It is legal in some countries but illegal in the UK.
What is the difference between suicide and euthanasia in UK law?
Suicide (voluntarily ending one’s own life) has been decriminalized in the UK, but assisting someone in suicide remains illegal. Active euthanasia (deliberate intervention to end life) is also illegal.
What was the significance of the Tony Bland case?
The Tony Bland case set a legal precedent for allowing non-voluntary euthanasia in extreme circumstances. This was an example of passive euthanasia, where treatment was withdrawn.
What is the sanctity of life principle?
It is the belief, rooted in Christian ethics, that life is sacred because it is God-given. Taking life is morally wrong, regardless of quality or usefulness.
What biblical arguments support the sanctity of life?
“Thou shalt not murder” (Ten Commandments)
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away” (indicating that only God decides life and death)
What is the weak sanctity of life argument?
While sanctity of life is important, other biblical principles such as Jesus’ emphasis on compassion should also be considered. Some argue that rigid adherence to sanctity of life allows unnecessary suffering.
What is the quality of life argument?
Quality of life views suggest that life’s value depends on whether it is worth living. Factors such as happiness, autonomy, and absence of suffering determine its worth.
How does Peter Singer define quality of life?
Singer proposes five “quality of life commandments,” including respecting a person’s desire to live or die and recognizing that the worth of life varies among individuals.
What is autonomy?
Autonomy is the belief that individuals have the freedom to make their own decisions, including the right to choose when and how they die.
How does Mill’s non-harm principle relate to euthanasia?
Mill argued that the government can restrict personal freedom only if it prevents harm to others. Since euthanasia affects only the individual, it could be argued that it should not be restricted.
What are the ethical concerns with non-voluntary euthanasia and autonomy?
If a patient has left clear instructions, their autonomy is respected. However, without instructions, opponents fear that non-voluntary euthanasia could lead to a “slippery slope.”
What is the slippery slope argument against euthanasia?
Archbishop Anthony Fisher argues that once euthanasia is legalized, its application expands. For example, in Holland, euthanasia was initially for the terminally ill but later extended to severely ill babies.
How does Singer counter the slippery slope argument?
Singer argues that euthanasia does not disproportionately affect vulnerable people. In Oregon, most people who choose euthanasia are white, educated, and not elderly.
What is the difference between acts and omissions in euthanasia?
Acts: Actively causing death (illegal and morally questionable).
Omissions: Withholding treatment, allowing death to occur naturally (often considered acceptable).
How does James Rachels challenge the acts vs. omissions distinction?
He argues that omissions can be as morally wrong as acts. His thought experiment compares a man who drowns his nephew (act) to another who lets the child drown (omission), arguing both are equally wrong.
What does Glover suggest about ordinary and extraordinary means?
Glover differentiates between:
Ordinary means: Basic necessities like food and water (morally required).
Extraordinary means: Expensive or invasive treatments (optional).
How does Natural Law oppose euthanasia?
Life preservation is a primary precept.
The Bible and divine law prohibit taking life.
Euthanasia undermines societal stability.
What is the Doctrine of Double Effect, and how does it relate to euthanasia?
The principle states that giving pain relief (e.g., morphine) that unintentionally shortens life is morally acceptable, as the primary intent is to relieve suffering.
What is a weakness of Natural Law’s stance on euthanasia?
Critics argue that it is outdated, originating from a time when strict rules were necessary for societal stability but may not suit modern ethical considerations.
How does Situation Ethics approach euthanasia?
Personalism: Decisions should focus on the individual’s well-being.
Quality of life matters more than sanctity of life.
Moral rules like “do not kill” are general guidelines, not absolute laws.
What is a weakness of Situation Ethics in euthanasia?
W. Barclay argues that people are not perfectly loving and may misuse the power to make euthanasia decisions for selfish reasons.
There is a risk of manipulation or coercion in euthanasia cases.
How does Fletcher defend Situation Ethics in euthanasia?
Fletcher believes that humanity has “come of age” and can handle ethical complexities. In contrast to medieval times, people today are educated and capable of making moral decisions without rigid laws.
