OCR RS Ethics > Euthanasia > Flashcards

Euthanasia Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Active Euthanasia?

A

An action deliberately designed to end a life at the specific request of the dying person

This is usually referred to as assisted suicide and is illegal within the UK under the Homicide Act 1957.

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2
Q

What was the outcome of the House of Lords proposal regarding active euthanasia in 1993?

A

The proposal was rejected

The argument was that it would be almost impossible to ensure that all acts were truly voluntary.

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3
Q

Define Passive Euthanasia.

A

Treatment is purposefully removed from a patient to allow them to die when in a persistent vegetative state

This form of euthanasia does not involve direct action to end life.

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4
Q

What does the term euthanasia originate from?

A

The Greek term for ‘Good Death’

In medical ethics, it refers to an act or practice that brings about a painless death to end suffering.

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5
Q

What is voluntary euthanasia?

A

Ending a person’s life at their request or with their consent

Also known as assisted suicide.

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6
Q

Who does voluntary euthanasia include?

A
  • People who wish to die but are physically unable to end their life themselves
  • Individuals with an incurable or terminal illness
  • Those with a living will stating their desires regarding future medical treatment

This form of euthanasia is often requested in specific medical circumstances.

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7
Q

Who typically carries out voluntary euthanasia?

A
  • A specialist doctor
  • In some cases, a family member

The involvement of medical professionals is common in the process.

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8
Q

According to Gregory Pence, what is a moral argument for allowing voluntary euthanasia?

A

Forcing someone to die a low and painful death is morally equivalent to forcing someone to die

Pence argues that this violates a person’s autonomy.

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9
Q

What is a key argument in support of voluntary euthanasia regarding personal autonomy?

A

Each person has a right to control his or her body and life

This includes the ability to determine the time, manner, and means of one’s death.

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10
Q

What is a common argument for voluntary euthanasia related to discrimination?

A

Suicide is an option for able-bodied people; not allowing this for the disabled is discriminatory

This highlights the inconsistency in the treatment of individuals based on their physical abilities.

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11
Q

Who argues that quality of life considerations in animal welfare relate to voluntary euthanasia?

A

Peter Singer

He suggests that it is speciesism to not consider similar quality of life issues for humans.

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12
Q

What is a practical argument in favor of voluntary euthanasia regarding palliative care?

A

Ending a patient’s life by injection is easier and cheaper

Palliative care can be very hard on families and doctors both physically and emotionally.

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13
Q

What is a significant concern against voluntary euthanasia related to health professionals?

A

It puts health professionals in an impossible position

This goes against the Hippocratic oath, where doctors pledge to save lives, not end them.

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14
Q

What is a potential social issue related to voluntary euthanasia?

A

Encourages pressure on sick relatives to end their lives

This may lead to situations where individuals feel compelled to choose euthanasia against their true wishes.

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15
Q

What is the slippery slope argument against voluntary euthanasia?

A

If allowed in exceptional circumstances, it will eventually be used out of hand

This argument suggests that initial restrictions may erode over time.

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16
Q

What is an alternative to voluntary euthanasia that can relieve suffering?

A

Palliative care

Making palliative care available to everyone would reduce the desire for euthanasia.

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17
Q

What is non-voluntary euthanasia?

A

Ending a person’s life without their consent, but with the consent of someone representing their interests

This situation often arises with individuals who cannot communicate and are in a persistent vegetative state (PVS).

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18
Q

What is a common document people write to clarify their wishes regarding non-voluntary euthanasia?

A

Living wills

Living wills help prevent issues related to decision-making if a person becomes brain damaged.

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19
Q

What is an argument in support of non-voluntary euthanasia?

A
  • It is the most compassionate course of action when there is no prospect of acceptable brain function

Supporters believe it alleviates suffering for patients with no hope of recovery.

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20
Q

What is an argument against non-voluntary euthanasia?

A
  • It is not for us to decide what is an acceptable standard of brain function
  • There is never total certainty that there is no hope for improvement

Critics argue that such decisions should be left to a higher authority, such as God.

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21
Q

What does the Sanctity of Life concept suggest about human life?

A

Human life is made in God’s image, therefore sacred and valuable

This concept implies that euthanasia is always wrong as human life should not be ended unnaturally.

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22
Q

According to the Bible, what supports the Sanctity of Life view?

A
  • 1 Corinthians: ‘your body is a temple of the holy spirit within you, you are not on your own.’
  • Genesis 1:27: ‘so God created mankind in his own image.’

These verses emphasize the sacredness of human life.

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23
Q

What is the Catholic position on euthanasia?

A

Euthanasia is not allowed as it goes against the Natural Law

The Sanctity of Life principle is central to this position.

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24
Q

What is the first primary precept in Catholic teaching regarding euthanasia?

A

Self-preservation

This precept suggests that death should not be hastened with euthanasia.

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25
What does the **doctrine of double effect** relate to in Catholic thinking about euthanasia?
* Painkillers with a secondary effect of shortening life * Drugs used to hasten death with the secondary effect of killing pain ## Footnote The intention behind pain relief is crucial in this doctrine.
26
Who distinguished the doctrine of double effect in relation to euthanasia?
Pope Pius ## Footnote His teachings provide a framework for understanding the moral implications of euthanasia.
27
What has changed in modern times regarding the **quality of life** in relation to euthanasia?
Quality of life matters more now due to advancements in medical technology ## Footnote Some Catholics believe treatment should not just prolong suffering.
28
What do modern Catholic scholars accept regarding extraordinary treatment when death is imminent?
Refusal of extraordinary treatment is morally acceptable ## Footnote This view respects the Sanctity of Life principle as the intention is not to kill.
29
Who rejects the idea that **God alone has the power** over life and death?
Daniel Maguire ## Footnote Maguire argues that this implies we belong to God and are his property.
30
According to **Maguire**, when can euthanasia be seen as a legitimate moral choice?
* When the dying process is already starting * When life is running out ## Footnote He believes that euthanasia can be moral in certain circumstances.
31
What does **Maguire** say about the use of euthanasia?
It is legitimate to shorten the time taken to die by not prolonging life ## Footnote This perspective allows humans to have power over their death without denying the sanctity of life.
32
What does **Peter Singer** believe about the traditional sanctity of life ethic?
It must end and be replaced with a new ethic ## Footnote He argues that low quality of life can justify a person taking their life.
33
In cases where a person cannot make a judgement about their own life, who does **Singer** suggest should make that judgement?
Someone else should make the judgement ## Footnote This raises ethical concerns about autonomy and decision-making.
34
What challenge is presented to **Singer's** view on quality of life?
Much more contributes to quality of life than what can be measured medically ## Footnote Singer fails to consider the wider value of a person's life to their family and community.
35
According to **Ronald Dworkin**, what does sanctity of life mean?
* Life should be preserved * Life should be of a high quality ## Footnote Dworkin emphasizes the importance of both preservation and quality in discussions of life.
36
What natural inclination do human beings have according to **Dworkin**?
To believe that their neighbours' lives should not be taken ## Footnote He asserts that people should live a happy and healthy existence.
37
How does **Dworkin** view euthanasia in relation to life?
It is a way of affirming life ## Footnote Euthanasia allows a life that is no longer flourishing to end peacefully.
38
What does the **sanctity of life** concept imply in a religious context?
Life is sacred and has divine purpose ## Footnote This belief suggests that God has declared life sacred, influencing ethical considerations.
39
What issue does the **sanctity of life** concept face in the modern world?
It fails to accommodate new medical technologies ## Footnote Advances in medical science challenge traditional views on when to stop treatment.
40
True or false: Medical science has made it easier to predict when death is inevitable.
FALSE ## Footnote Experts in palliative care find it difficult to predict inevitable death.
41
How can the **sanctity of life** concept act as a protection of life?
It acknowledges the potential for patient recovery ## Footnote Even short-term recoveries can validate the importance of respecting life.
42
What might happen if the **sanctity of life** is not respected?
Certain lives could be deemed not worth protecting ## Footnote This could lead to ethical issues, especially for individuals with disabilities.
43
In what way does **sanctity of life** continue to influence modern ethics?
It maintains the basic urge to respect all life ## Footnote Despite its religious origins, it plays a role in contemporary ethical discussions.
44
What is the **concept of Quality of Life**?
A secular concept suggesting that human life must possess certain attributes to have value ## Footnote This concept emphasizes the importance of individual experiences and conditions in assessing life's worth.
45
Who is **Peter Singer**?
A philosopher who argues that the worth of human life varies based on its quality ## Footnote His views challenge traditional notions of the sanctity of life.
46
According to Peter Singer, when can the act of taking a patient's life be justified?
If the patient has a **low quality of life** ## Footnote Singer believes that the quality of life can influence moral decisions regarding life and death.
47
What does Peter Singer say about **human dignity**?
Many illnesses can remove human dignity, leading individuals to feel their quality of life has decreased ## Footnote This distress may cause them to not want to live anymore.
48
What is the nature of the decision regarding life and death, according to Singer?
It is an **individual and personal decision** ## Footnote Each person's circumstances and feelings should be considered.
49
List the **five new quality of life commandments** proposed by Peter Singer.
* Recognise that the worth of human life varies * Take responsibility for the consequences of your decisions * Respect a person's right to live or die * Bring children into the world, only if they are wanted * Do not discriminate on the basis of species ## Footnote These commandments aim to replace outdated sanctity of life ideals.
50
What role do **doctors** have in judging **quality of life**?
Doctors can judge whether the loss of quality of life is temporary or permanent ## Footnote This role aims to prevent euthanasia for patients who are temporarily depressed.
51
What problem arises if a patient is **unable to make a decision** regarding euthanasia?
It raises issues over who makes the decision and can harm the doctor/patient relationship ## Footnote This situation complicates the ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia.
52
The idea of **doctors playing God** is exemplified by what practice?
DNR orders being placed on patients' medical records without their consent ## Footnote This raises ethical concerns about patient autonomy and consent.
53
Why is the **quality of life** considered subjective?
It is very hard to judge, leading some to feel they must end their lives to avoid being a burden ## Footnote This subjectivity complicates decisions regarding euthanasia.
54
What is a significant issue regarding our understanding of the **brain** in the context of euthanasia?
We lack a lot of knowledge on the workings of the brain, making decisions dangerous ## Footnote This lack of understanding can lead to irreversible mistakes in assessing a patient's condition.
55
What case exemplifies the dangers of misjudging a patient's condition related to **euthanasia**?
The case of Ron Houben, who was assessed to be in a PVS state but was later found to be conscious ## Footnote This highlights the risks of making irreversible decisions based on incorrect assessments.
56
Why must the decision regarding **euthanasia** be known to be 100% certain?
Because euthanasia is an irreversible action ## Footnote Certainty is crucial to avoid tragic mistakes in patient care.
57
Who is **Daniel James**?
A young rugby player who was paralysed in a rugby scrum ## Footnote He attempted suicide multiple times and chose to die at Dignitas rather than live with a disability.
58
What condition did **Tony Nicklinson** suffer from?
Locked-in syndrome ## Footnote He could only communicate with his eyes and died after refusing food or treatment for pneumonia.
59
What was the outcome of **Tony Nicklinson's** request for a legal assisted death?
Rejected by the High Court ## Footnote This rejection led him to refuse food or treatment for pneumonia.
60
What is the conflict between **personhood** and **euthanasia** when someone is in a **PVS**?
It is hard to decide how much consciousness they have ## Footnote Personhood and euthanasia raise ethical questions regarding the status of individuals in a persistent vegetative state.
61
Many argue that **personhood** is lost after a certain amount of __________ disappears.
brain-function ## Footnote This perspective raises questions about the definition of being human when life support is involved.
62
If a person is unable to react and incapable of independent thought, many consider this to mean they aren't a __________ anymore.
human ## Footnote This viewpoint can lead to ethical dilemmas regarding the treatment of severely mentally disabled individuals.
63
What are some characteristics that have been considered to clarify what makes someone a **person**?
* Being capable of rational thought * Having a form of consciousness that enables them to feel pain or pleasure * Self-awareness * Having a human genetic make-up * Being able to survive independently as a human ## Footnote These characteristics are debated in discussions about personhood and its implications.
64
What is the **slippery slope** argument regarding euthanasia for patients in PVS?
It suggests that legitimate reasons for assisting death could lead to unjustified killings based on perceived quality of life ## Footnote This argument highlights concerns about the potential for abuse in euthanasia practices.
65
Who are **Germain Grisez** and **Joseph Boyle**?
Philosophers who argue for the importance of personhood and reject the idea that one can cease to be a person while remaining bodily alive ## Footnote They emphasize that a patient in PVS retains their human dignity.
66
What do Grisez and Boyle believe about **bodily life**?
It is seen as a good in itself ## Footnote They argue that bodily life is essential to human existence and dignity.
67
List some **basic goods** necessary for human well-being according to Grisez and Boyle.
* Play and recreation * Life and health * Knowledge of the truth * Appreciation of beauty * Friendship ## Footnote They do not require this list to be in any specific order.
68
What do Grisez and Boyle reject about euthanasia?
They reject it because it conflicts with the good of life and health ## Footnote They argue that euthanasia attempts to achieve freedom and dignity at the expense of life.
69
What does **Natural Law** consider in relation to euthanasia?
The act of euthanasia itself ## Footnote Natural Law does not focus on the people involved or the consequences of the action.
70
What is a **primary precept** of Natural Law regarding euthanasia?
Protection of life ## Footnote Euthanasia goes against this primary precept.
71
According to Natural Law, what is the correct response to death?
Allow nature to take its course ## Footnote This means death should occur in its own time.
72
What does **proportion** refer to in Natural Law?
Looking at each situation individually ## Footnote It helps choose actions proportionate to the needs of the patient.
73
According to Aquinas, euthanasia breaks which type of law?
Divine law ## Footnote This law is revealed in the Bible, including the 10 commandments.
74
What does Aquinas' Natural Law argue about human life?
Human life has a **telos** ## Footnote Euthanasia prevents reaching this telos by violating natural processes.
75
What ethical value is considered good by most cultures and is illegal in most countries?
Preservation of life ## Footnote This value is upheld regardless of religion.
76
How does Natural Law address the **slippery slope problem**?
It avoids diminishing human dignity over time ## Footnote This is a concern in discussions about euthanasia.
77
What is the **doctrine of double effect** in relation to euthanasia?
It states that a good act can bring about bad consequences ## Footnote It is wrong to perform a bad act for the sake of good consequences.
78
Who was the **president of the American Euthanasia Society**?
Fletcher ## Footnote Fletcher's position influenced his views on euthanasia and situation ethics.
79
According to **Fletcher's situation ethics**, what is acceptable regarding euthanasia?
Taking the life to show love and care to the victim of suffering ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes compassion over strict moral rules.
80
Fletcher's analysis emphasizes the need for **agape** when someone is suffering badly. What does he dismiss?
The idea of assisted suicide for psychological suffering ## Footnote Fletcher believes physical pain is easier to identify than psychological suffering.
81
Fletcher supports **legalised euthanasia** because situation ethics rejects what?
Absolute rules and an absolute bad on euthanasia ## Footnote This allows for ethical considerations based on individual circumstances.
82
What does Fletcher believe should be taken into account when considering euthanasia?
Each individual person's situation ## Footnote He advocates for actions that bring about the most loving consequences.
83
In what circumstances might **euthanasia** be considered ethical according to Fletcher?
* To relieve the suffering of a terminally ill patient * To alleviate suffering for the patient's family ## Footnote Fletcher argues that the context of suffering is crucial in ethical decision-making.
84
What does Fletcher think about euthanasia for depressed people?
He thinks you cannot euthanise people with depression, as the low point in their life is temporary.
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