euthanasia (5) Flashcards
sanctity of life quotes
“so God created mankind in his image” Genesis 1:27
“you shall not murder” Exodus 20:13
“your bodies are the temples of the Holy spirit” Corinthians 6:18
voluntary/non voluntary euthanasia
voluntary= someones life is ended at their own request
non voluntary= someones life is ended without their consent but with consent of someone representing
quality of life
others view quality of life as more important than sanctity. quality of life says life is valuable if it has certain characteristics
peter singer
5 quality of life commandments:
1. recognise quality of life varies
2. take responsibility for consequences of decisions
3. respect desire to live/die
4. only bring children to the world if wanted
5. dont discriminate based on species
concept of sanctity of life remains a useful concept
- upholds intrinsic value of life when we are more dehumanised
- ensures basic rights are respected
- anti euthanasia because may mean a slippery slope. point to abortion whereby a few were expected and now it is 180,000 annually
concept of sanctity of life is no longer a useful concept
- sanctity of life is outdated in a secular society, 10% attend church
- concept of sanctity at odds with autonomy in case of voluntary
- interpreting sanctity of life is self defeating and causes pain
- demands that life must be saved at all costs
preserve human life
one of natural law’s primary precepts so would lead to secondary precept, no euthanasia. euthanasia may be viewed as an apparent good, standing in place of a real good.
Ecclesiastes chapter 3
‘there is a time to be born and a time to die’
contradictions to natural law
- the double effect, it is allowed to give a pain killer that could risk ending someone’s life
- ordinary/extraordinary means. obligation to give all ordinary treatment- not extraordinary.
cathecism
‘discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitmate’
Dr Moor
1999 Dr Moor was cleared of murder of an old man who had a heart attack and stroke after he gave him morphine. double effect would support Moor, as Moor wanted to reduce pain (intent) rather than kill.
proportionalism
argues laws of natural law can be broken if there is a valid reason. proportionalists like Daniel Maguire argues when biological life continues without personhood- shortening life is not wrong.
natural law provides a good approach to euthanasia
- committed to the sanctity of life, it limits slippery slope potential
- natural law prevents individuals playing God and making decisions
- double effect provides flexibility in a rigid system
natural law provides a bad approach to euthanasia
- overly religious and depdent on christian roots
- natural law is legalistic and absolutist, different situations
- requirs that an indivual can live in an extreme pain
- no weight of human autonomy
Joseph Fletcher
keen supporter of euthanasia, president of euthanasia society of America. he did not think sanctity of life was determined.
situation ethics
rejected legalism and rules like ‘do not kill’ are general but can be broken when love demands it. SE values quality of life over sanctity, as ‘personalism’ one of key principles. values pragmatism- should do whatever is likely to work.
Morals and medicine
Fletcher’s 1954 book, states that medical conditions need to be the starting point for medical ethics. does not endorse euthanasia but recognises where it may be needed.
situation ethics provides a good approach to euthanasia
- flexibility of SE very useful as offers general principles for complex situations
- agape is a good principle and puts people first
- medical knowledge means we known who is capable of treating
- respects autonomy of the indivual
situation ethics provides a bad approach to euthanasia
- may be vague and little guidance on what the most loving thing is
- requires a prediction of future consequences
- lacks absolute boundaries and critics of euthanasia think of a ‘slippery slope’.
Hannah Jones
a 13 year old in 2008 who did not want to have a heart transplant because she had been in and out of hospital all of her life. she would rather die.
autonomy
humans should be free to make decisions. Mill’s no harm principle, government have no right to restrict our own freedom. Singer’s preference utilitarinism agrees.
Jonathan Glover
external checks are required as to someone’s state of mind, specifically that the decision is reasonable.
non voluntary autonomy?
if patients give instructions (like DNR) then their autonomy is being respected. others have living wills. 2011, found hospitals putting DNR on elderly patients without consulting family
people should have autonomy over their own lives
- SE supports idea of autonomy and a key aspect of ‘personalism’ that we allow individuals to make decisions
- arguments against autonomy are based on sanctity which is irrelevant if God not real.
