What 2 main ideas are discussed in euthanasia
Situation ethics
Natural law
Which evidence is used to support ideas
Peter singer - Quality of life
Bible quotes - Sanctity of life
What is sanctity of life?
All life is special as it is God given and should be taken care of no matter age or illness
Bible quotes to support sanctity of life
Exodus 20:13
Genesis 1:27
Job 1:21
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder”
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his image”
Job 1:21
“The Lord gives and the Lord takes away”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy spirit”
What is the Slippery slope argument
As you make euthanasia legal, even if it starts of limited, slowly it will become more diverse in who can have euthanasia
What is quality of life
Considering if life is worth living in the context of their health and enjoyment
What is Personhood
Personhood is the question of what it means to be a person
What would Peter singer say about personhood
He would put animals under that category because of self awareness
How does personhood connect with euthanasia
Whether someone is still a person if they have severe conditions like brain damage
What is voluntary euthanasia
When a patient consents to ending their life
Arguments for voluntary euthanasia
- people should have the right to choose what they want to do
- Suicide is also an option for abled people
Arguments against voluntary euthanasia
- Person might change their mind when they arent able to communicate
- It will encourage people to do it who are seen as useless for society
What is non voluntary euthanasia
Euthanasia without request of the patient
When does non voluntary euthanasia happen
When the patient can’t respond like severe brain damage
Arguments for Non voluntary euthanasia
- will the quality of life be any good if they cant even function
- some people have living wills that clarify their wishes
- Best case scenario if the person can’t communicate
Arguments against non voluntary euthanasia
- We can’t decide an acceptable standard of brain function, only God can
- Never a point where doctors can be totally sure of no recovery
What does James Rachels say?
Acts and omissions are equally bad when it comes to killing.
Smith and Jones example
Passive Euthanasia
Treatment withheld from person until death
Active Euthanasia
Treatment directly given for the death
Paul Badham
People should be given the option of assisted suicide
