Euthanasia, and the later application of Situation Ethics.

Question 1

What is active euthanasia|?

Answer 1

Active euthanasia is when death is brought about by an act - for example when a person is killed by being given an overdose of pain-killers.

Question 2

What is passive euthanasia?

Answer 2

Passive euthanasia is when death is brought about by an omission - i.e. when someone lets the person die.

Question 3

What is the difference between voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 3

Voluntary euthanasia occurs at the request of the person who dies.

Non-voluntary euthanasia occurs when the person is unconscious or otherwise unable (for example, a very young baby or a person of extremely low intelligence) to make a meaningful choice between living and dying, and an appropriate person takes the decision on their behalf.

Question 4

What was James Rachel’s view on euthanasia (6)?

Answer 4

(1) No moral difference between killing and letting die.
(2) Doctor is in the wrong no matter that method.
(3) Passive could prolong, active could reduce suffering.
(4) We are associating killing with kindness.
(5) Inaction (passive) is still an action.
(6) If the patient no longer wants to live, letting them die is no worse than being the cause of their continued life.

Question 5

How can situation ethics be applied (what types to)?

Answer 5

• Assisted suicide
• Palliative care
• Active voluntary
• Possibly to active non voluntary
• Passive voluntary
• Probably yes to passive non voluntary

Question 6

What would James Rachels argue in relation to Situation Ethics and euthanasia?

Answer 6

Active is better than passive due to agape and minimising suffering.