Euthanasia A01 Flashcards
Origins of sanctity of life
Christians believe in the ‘sanctity of life’: there is something special and holy about life. For Christians, human life is different because we share something of the nature of God.
Biblical origins:
The first book of the Old Testament (Genesis) describes how God made Adam, and: “Breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7).
Genesis also says that people are made “in the image of God”.
Secular origins of quality of life (+Who has strongly argued for this view)
- The scholar Peter Singer (pictured) has strongly argued that it is now time to abandon the sanctity of life principle in favour of the non-religious quality of life argument.
Singer believes that people nowadays make decisions based on their quality of life rather than sanctity of life.
Quality of life principle
The quality of life principle takes the approach that a life is only worthwhile if it can fulfil those things which make life worth living.
For example, someone having good physical and mental health, an education, financial stability.
Voluntary euthanasia
Voluntary euthanasia means a person’s life is ended at their request or with their consent.
Reasons for using voluntary euthanasia:
- Suffering from a terminal illness.
- Unlikely to benefit from the discovery of a cure for that illness during what remains of their life expectancy.
- Suffering intolerable pain.
- Their life is unacceptably burdensome.
- Has an enduring, voluntary and competent wish to die.
- Unable without assistance to end their life.
Non-voluntary euthanasia (Scholar who distinguises it)
Non-voluntary euthanasia means a person’s life is ended without their consent but with the consent of someone representing their interests.
Glover distinguishes non-voluntary euthanasia from involuntary euthanasia.
- With involuntary euthanasia, a person is killed against their wishes, such as when disabled people were killed by Nazi doctors — this is regarded as murder.
- Non-voluntary euthanasia should be in the interest of the person who dies and not anyone else.
Tony Bland example
When doctors at Airedale Hospital in Yorkshire asked the High Court for permission to withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration from Hillsborough victim Tony Bland, his family supported the application.
After the Hillsborough stadium tragedy, Tony was left in a persistent vegetative state - and hence was not legally dead. His parents believed their son would not want to be kept alive in such a condition. They petitioned the court to sanction the withdrawal of hydration and artificial nutrition, which it did.
Sanctity of Life: Catholic Church
*sol=life is precious, God is creator, must honour gods creations, must not destroy life as it is sacred, only God can
*“thou shall not kill” -Bible
*fully against euthanasia
Sanctity of Life: Church of England
prefer palliative care
*elderly could be forced into euthanasia, they emphasise their importance
*support building of more hospices
*“suffering, the church maintains, must be met with compassion, commitment to high-quality services and effective medication” - The Bishop of Carlisle
*try to prevent the slippery slope
*fully against euthanasia
Slippery Slope
*boundaries will be pushed - legalisation of euthanasia for elderly and for people with depression
*Netherlands - it is legal only in some circumstances, maybe process has already begun there terminally ill changed to chronically ill
*religion like CofE could prevent it
*not in favour of euthanasia
Individual Autonomy (2 scholars who support)
*autonomous: able to make decisions by themselves without the influence of others
*“over one’s mind and over one’s body, the individual is sovereign” -Mill meaning the individual’s view takes priority but could be influenced by pain
*“greatest good for the greatest number” -Bentham meaning his idea of the hedonistic calculus. apply how this works to a situation [ ].
*Singer: preference utilitarian focus on individual and those that would be affected
*religious views are absolutist or deontological whereas utilitarian views are situational and are based on the consequences
Define non treatment decision
the absence of medical treatment, a decision made by a medical profesional
Define active euthanasia
this is when death is brought about by an act such as an overdose
Define personhood
the quality or condition of being an individual person. Qualities of person-hood may be the ability to communicate and reason.
Explain autonomy and the right to die
refers to individual freedom of one’s right to make decisions without being coerced.
Define dignity
the state or quality of feeling worthy of respect or honour
Define palliative care
the care for the terminally ill and their families by organised health services
Define euthanasia
Euthanasia means a good death, or mercy killing
It is the ending of a terminally ill person’s life
Key bible quotes for euthanasia
‘Do not kill’
‘You yourself are God’s temple’
‘Made in God’s image’
What does quality of life refer to?
How happy or unhappy a life is
In non-voluntary euthanasia cases, why does Singer believe it is not morally wrong?
They have no conception of their life continuing
What is the slippery slope argument against euthanasia?
Euthanasia extends to more people once legalized
Who argues against the quality-of-life view using the slippery slope argument?
Archbishop Anthony Fisher
What does Fisher suggest might tempt vulnerable people regarding euthanasia?
They might feel like a burden and be tempted to die
What societal values contribute to vulnerable individuals feeling miserable?
Success, self-sufficiency, productivity, and beauty
What controversial case occurred in Canada regarding euthanasia in 2022?
A person applied for euthanasia due to abject poverty
What is the proposed valid ethical approach instead of allowing euthanasia?
Changing society to better support individuals
How does Singer respond to the argument that euthanasia targets vulnerable people?
Euthanasia in Oregon is not especially targeting vulnerable groups
What statistic does Singer provide about euthanasia in Oregon?
Only one in three thousand deaths are by euthanasia
What happened to the numbers of post-birth non-voluntary euthanasia from 2005 to 2010 in Oregon?
Dropped from 15 to 2 cases
What conclusion can be drawn about Fisher’s arguments against euthanasia?
They highlight societal support issues, not criticisms of euthanasia itself
Fill in the blank: Peter Singer believes that the belief in the sanctity of life is based on _______.
[Christian domination of European thought]
