Euthanasia

Question 1

What is the sanctity of life argument

Answer 1

life is sacred - only God can end it. (supported by Fletcher)

Question 2

How does Peter Singer argue for quality life

Answer 2

If life has no dignity, pain is unbearable, euthanasia is compassionate

Question 3

How does John Glover support voluntary euthanasia

Answer 3

autonomy matters - individuals should control their death

Question 4

How does Leon Kass critique euthanasia

Answer 4

Slippery slope - could lead to non - voluntary euthanasia (ie. disabled people pressured to die)

Question 5

voluntary euthanasia

Answer 5

patient explicitly requests death

• ethical support: Singer
• opposition: Natural law, Aquinas (violates primary precepts of life)

Question 6

non - voluntary euthanasia

Answer 6

decision made for an incapable patient (ie. coma)

• ethical support: Glover (prevents suffering when no quality of life)
• opposition: Kass (slippery slope)

Question 7

involuntary euthanasia

Answer 7

against patient’s will (illegal everywhere)

• universally condemned

Question 8

Passive euthanasia vs Active

Answer 8

• passive: allowing death (removing life support)
• active: directly causing death (lethal injection)
• Doctrine of Double Effect (Aquinas) justifies passive only

Question 9

UK stance

Answer 9

UK law reflects natural law, not utilitarianism