Euthanasia Flashcards
1
Q
The sanctity of life
A
- life is special, sacred and holy
- has intrinsic worth
- Bible can be used as support
- Used to argue against Euthanasia
2
Q
Slippery Slop argument
A
- Can be used in the context of the sanctity of life
- once life is considered to be less than sacred in some cases it undermines all human dignity
3
Q
Quality of life
A
- considering how much enjoyment and fulfillment a person is getting given their state
- commonly considered in cases of animal welfare
4
Q
Personhood
A
- involves question of what makes a living thing a ‘person’
- some argue that in order to be a person there must be awareness of self and others
- others argue that in order to be a person the only this necessary is to be human
- Others argue that other species should be considered as persons
5
Q
Voluntary Euthanasia
A
- when persons life is ended at their own request
- key argument is that people should have the right to avoid pain
- suicide is an option for able-bodied people and it is discriminatory not to allow it for disabled people
- some argue against as some may change their mind when they are no longer able to communicate
6
Q
Non-voluntary
A
- without request of patient
-
7
Q
Natural law
A
- euthanasia is an apparent good but it is not a real good
- ## doctrine of double affect could be used in end of life care
8
Q
Natural law advantages
A
- it gives clear advice
- Respects religious beliefs
- Does not leave people vulnerable
- Avoids a ‘slippery slope’
9
Q
Natural law disadvantages
A
- could be seen as unsympathetic
- medical advances make it difficult to judge whether some kinds of treatment should be regarded as burdensome
10
Q
Situation Ethics
A
- Fletcher was in favour of legalised euthanasia
- SE rejects absolute rules
- Fletcher though quality of life was more important that the sanctity of life
11
Q
Situation Ethics advantages
A
- compassionate
- less discriminatory
- greater emphasies of human autonomy
12
Q
Situation Ethics disadvantages
A
- doesnt give recognition to sacred nature of human life
- legalisaing may cause a slippery slope
