Euthanasia Flashcards
What is euthanasia?
‘Good death’-intentionally ending a life to relieve pain/suffering
What is voluntary euthanasia?
Someone asking for assistance in ending their own life
What is non-voluntary euthanasia?
A person is unable to express their wish to die but others make the decision based on compassion
What form of euthanasia is legal in some countries?
Voluntary
Who was Daniel Maguire?
A Christian philosopher who argued that life should be respected, not prolonged, and we can make this choice as we have free will.
Who is Helga Kuhse?
An Australian philosopher who argues that euthanasia does not need to the ‘slippery slope’ people suggest- she points to the Netherlands as an example
Quote from Pope Pius XII on euthanasia (+Book)
“It is important to protect… the Christian concept of life against a technological attitude that threatens to become abuse.”
-‘Declaration of Euthanasia’ (1980)
What does autonomy mean?
The idea that human freedom should extend to decide the time/manner of death
Who was Jack Kevorkian?
A doctor who assisted in euthanasia, and argued that self-autonomy should be the highest principle in medical ethics
Quote from J.S Mill
“In matters that do not concern others, individuals should have full autonomy”
Quote from CFI on euthanasia
“Euthanasia must be a personal decision between the terminally ill and their families… it is ethically criminal to toss guilt and shame into a tragic situation.”
What is ‘quality of life’?
The notion as to whether the life of those suffering and asking for euthanasia is actually worth living.
Quote from the Catholic declaration on euthanasia
“Intentionally causing ones own death…is therefore equally as wrong as murder.”
Who was President of the Euthanasia Society of America’s from 1974-76?
Joseph Fletcher
Who was Tony Nicklinson? (3 points)
- A man with locked in syndrome after suffering a stroke in 2005
- Described his life as a “living nightmare”
- Eventually starved himself to death by refusing food
