From the Greek eu _________________ and thanatos _________________
(“good” or “easy”), (“death”)
The deliberate putting to death, in an easy, painless way, of an individual suffering from an incurable and agonizing disease, a marked deformity, or an unbearable and distressing disease.
euthanasia
euthanasia is known as as ________________, it is regarded as a merciful release from incurable and prolonged suffering.
mercy killing
This means that an individual should have the autonomy to decide to die when dying is perceived as a better alternative than continuing to live in suffering. It is about control over one’s own existence.
dying with dignity
The individual allows themselves to die by refusing medical treatment or by not taking any medicine.
An act of omission based on the patient’s own choice.
Self-Administered (Passive/Negative)
A physician, spouse, or friend intentionally terminates the patient’s life (e.g., via a lethal substance) upon the patient’s request.
Performed upon the patient’s explicit request.
Active and Voluntary
A physician, spouse, or relative allows a terminally ill patient to die by withholding or withdrawing treatment, but without the patient’s consent.
Distinguished by the lack of patient consent.
Passive and Involuntary
Against
Reason: Morally wrong as it is intentional killing, opposes the natural moral law (the inclination to preserve life), and may be performed for self-interest.
T. Gary Williams
For (Conditionally)
Reason: It is humane as it allows suffering to be brought to a speedy end. Active euthanasia can be morally right with proper intentions but is wrong with an ulterior motive.
James Rachels
For (Conditionally)
Reason: Endorses both active and passive euthanasia with explicit patient consent. “Everyone has a right to life, hence it is what a person wants that counts.”
Philippa Foot
For
Reason: Applies Ross’s theory of prima facie duties, arguing for a duty not to cause unnecessary suffering to others (i.e., a duty of beneficence and non-maleficence that could support euthanasia in cases of extreme agony).
Richard Brandt
Against (Condemns)
Reason: Condemns mercy killing as intrinsically wrong (malum in se). It is the direct, deliberate killing of an individual and is considered murder.
Natural Law of Ethics
Potentially For
Reason: Judges based on consequences. Euthanasia could be justified if it ends profound suffering, thus producing the greatest happiness (or least unhappiness) for the greatest number, including the patient and family.
Utilitarian Principle
For (Justifies)
Reason: May endorse euthanasia under certain conditions if it is the most loving (agape), reiterative, beneficial, and integral thing to do in that specific situation.
Situation Ethics
Potentially For
Reason: There could be a stringent prima facie duty (e.g., beneficence, non-maleficence) to put a comatose patient to an easy death, depending upon a good motive. This duty must be weighed against other duties.
Ross’s Ethics (Prima Facie Duties)
For
Reason: A person’s inviolability demands that their dignity be preserved. Justice is served if their death is as painless and non-violent as possible.
Rawls’s Concept of Justice
Generally Against
Reason: We have a duty to preserve life and dignity. A comatose person loses their autonomous status, making the ethical calculation complex. Generally opposed as it could treat a person as a means to an end.
Kantian Ethics (Deontology)
The right of an individual to choose a peaceful death to avoid unbearable suffering, supported by Situation Ethics, Utilitarian outcomes, and the Concept of Justice.
The Principle of Autonomy and Dignity
The duty to relieve suffering (beneficence) which can conflict with the duty to do no harm (non-maleficence), as explored in Ross’s and Brandt’s ethics.
The Principle of Beneficence/Non-Maleficence
The belief that life is intrinsically valuable and that intentionally ending it is always a moral wrong, as held by Natural Law and many deontological views (e.g., Kant, Williams). This view warns of potential slippery slopes and eroded trust in medical professionals.
The Sanctity of Life Principle
