In this paper, we are going to present an analysis regarding medical ethics, specifically Euthanasia and we will try to describe the position of a Consequentialist, Deontologist, and Virtue ethics philosophers and what their decision will be in reference to this dilemma. Subsequently we will compare and choose which position is the most appropriate to handle this ethical dilemma and explain why the others positions do not work. We will do our best to present enough evidence to support the reasoning behind our selection. Anything that involves a decision about ending a person’s life regardless of the circumstances, presents ethical dilemmas on how or why this can be done or even worse accepted.…
I believe that Mr. Rachels would agree with my argument above. In his article titled “Active and Passive Euthanasia,” he explains two scenarios; a case involving a patient with incurable throat cancer, and another involving a baby with Down’s syndrome and a easily treatable intestinal blockage. Though these arguments cover a wide range of cases, they don’t appear to apply to Ms. Reese’s case. Throughout James Rachels’ discussion of the morality of active versus passive euthanasia, he fails to mention a case in which a patient is diagnosed with a disease that is untreatable, not life immediately threatening, and quite painless as the disease progresses. These characteristics are reminiscent of Alzheimer’s disease as Ms. Reese has been diagnosed.…
Utilitarianism simply states that society should find what creates the most utility and apply that action. Philosophy is not performed in a vacuum and every crime has different circumstances that can lead to a different punishment which creates the most utility. Every consequence must be weighed if a certain punishment is applied and every case is unique. A utilitarian decision can be based upon past precedents and experiences, as done in the United States legal system. For example, society would not benefit from the execution of a mentally impaired man that was the cause for another’s…
Physician Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia have been a huge ethical conflict throughout time. PAS and Euthanasia has been one of the most controversial topic in the health care industry. As future Health Care Administrators and patients, we need to be aware of the state laws, moral and ethical issues that arise with administering PAS to occur in our hospitals. We need to analyze each case carefully and look into the specifics without rushing to a decision. PAS is often confused with Euthanasia however the two terminologies are quite different.…
Compassion & Choices works to address the issue of euthanasia by making euthanasia a legal option and more available in the US. “‘What we’ve done in the legislature has only been possible because of what Compassion & Choices has organized throughout the state, throughout the nation,’” concludes California Senate Majority Leader Bill Monning in the video. (YouTube) Compassion & Choices is a nonprofit organization in the United States working to improve patient rights and choice at the end of life, including access to aid in dying. It was formerly known as the Hemlock Society. The Hemlock Society was an end-of-life care organization for those suffering with incurable illnesses, forms.…
The word euthanasia derives from greek origins that translates to ‘good death’. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines euthanasia as the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy. The controversy surrounding euthanasia stems from whether an individual with a disability is able to make the choice to put an end to their life. It is difficult to establish whether the individual has a rational state of mind. Philosophical theories of morality and rationality can be applied to an individual’s right to death with dignity.…
Ideal Utilitarianism is similar to other versions of utilitarianism that are concerned about maximising pleasure. Furthermore this version is also concerned with maximising intrinsic goods, such as beauty, truth or knowledge (, no date). An ideal utilitarian, in this case, would think about euthanasia in the following way: Yes the person wants to die however a person’s live is extremely valuable and life is seen as a beautiful thing. Moreover, the person will most likely be appreciated by many others therefore they shouldn’t consider euthanasia according to an ideal utilitarian. However, the value and beauty of a person life must be weighed against the reason that they are wishing…
As a whole, in our society we have a set list of views, values, and morals in our minds and even written into law or documented in some way that are generally accepted among the people. When we begin to tamper with these aspects of society, it is likely to bring a significant impact into play that we may or may not like the outcome of. With this being said, the idea of making euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide legal, especially when we do already have accepted ways of dealing with and helping the terminally ill, cuts into these core values that have been instilled in us and that define our society as we know it. One of the major views and values that this would undermine or go back on is the law that states that you cannot kill another…
ntroduction The Legal right to die describes in any situation of an adult who is in state of sound mind to decide about his or her treatment to be continued or not, where such voluntary, informed decision is made, should be recognized and respected. According to Lord Goff of Chieveley in 1993, at p. 864, in Airedale NHS Trust versus Bland [1993], the House of Lords held that “The principle of self-determination requires that respect must be given to the wishes of the patient. If an adult patient of sound mind refuses, however unreasonably, to consent to treatment or care by which his life would or might be prolonged, the doctors responsible for his care must give effect to his wishes, even though they do not consider it to be in his best interests to do so. […] To this extent, the principle of the sanctity of human life must yield to the principle of self-determination”.…
Euthanasia is known as the painless killing of a human being suffering from an incurable disease or an irreversible coma. Human life possesses an intrinsic dignity and value because God creates it in his own image for the distinctive destiny of sharing God’s own life (BBC, 2014). In relation to bioethics, ethical frameworks are guidelines and rationales an individual uses to guide his or her decisions and actions. This is relevant to the topic as euthanasia is based on personal decisions and beliefs. There is clear evidence to prove that sacred texts and their ethical frameworks provide adherents with ethical frameworks to make decisions about euthanasia.…
For counties like India, taking any the food supply is another way of controlling the overpopulation. If there is no food supplies the conditions for breeding with not be right and reduction with not take place. This applied to all living organisms cross the global as self-preservation is biological programed defense mechanism. I currently work in the veterinary field and as such have to deal ethics dilemma of convenience euthanasia. Individuals have brought in their animals to the clinic to decline treatment due to cost of medical treatment and elected euthanasia with the intent of adopting a new health pet the next day.…
Good Afternoon, Samantha Parker here, thanks for joining me. Welcome back to BTN news, today we will be discussing a controversial topic, euthanasia. For those of you who aren’t too sure, euthanasia is also known as assisted suicide. This means that it is a painless way to die and end suffering for those who are extremely ill or have an incurable disease. Today I will be discussing with you; euthanasia and Christianity, the legalisation of Euthanasia and people’s opinions on this topic.…
Introduction: Imagine yourself not being able to achieve simple tasks let alone see, walk or speak. You’re in such excruciating pain you don’t want to live anymore. You think that your life isn't worth it because you aren't getting any enjoyment or pleasure living and you think Euthanasia is the answer to your problems. Euthanasia is the practice of assisted suicide, in order to relieve pain or suffering.…
To quote Immanuel Kant in Metaphysics of Morals- In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Ethics are the set of rules or guidelines that govern all human beings. Medical ethics related to the guidelines set for medical practitioners.…
Euthanasia has been the topic of debate for years. The issue of surrounded by euthanasia effects ethical and legal that relates to patient and health care professionals (Naga & Mrayyan, 2013). Euthanasia is defined as the active killing of patients by doctor at the request of the patients. There are several types of euthanasia, active and passive, voluntary and involuntary. Active euthanasia refers steps that are taking to cause death; passive euthanasia refers to step that are taking to cause death by withholding treatment.…