Euthanasia [ESSAY POINTS]

Question 1

What might a paragraph on the sanctity of human life contain?

Answer 1

• As God created life, it is sacred and only God can end it. Prohibits euthanasia
• Biblical evidence can support; ‘though shall not kill’
• Weak sanctity of life disagrees with vitalism; accepts there may be cases where sanctity of life is outweighed by duty to show love, etc
• Sanctity of life less relevant in modern times where we can extend life
• Luther disagrees with weak sanctity. Supports sola scriptura- the laws within the bible are absolute, not relativist- they must never be broken.

Question 2

What would a paragraph on the quality of human life contain?

Answer 2

• Peter Singer disregarded the sanctity of life as irrelevant today. He suggested instead the quality of life principle. Certain criteria must be met for a life to be considered worth living
• Seems to fits with modern healthcare better
• Does not seem to appreciate intrinsic value of human life. Kant argues life gains value intrinsically, not extrinsically.
• Kant’s view is ultimately dangerous and may easily lead to much suffering

Question 3

What would a paragraph on autonomy include?

Answer 3

• Nozick argues for complete self autonomy. All voluntary euthanasia is permissible as people should have sovereignty over themselves.
• Peter Signer gives example of lovesick teenager who wants to die to short sighted reasons. Proper reason must accompany autonomy, he argues
• Fisher says even Singer’s approach will lead to a slippery slope scenario where all euthanasia is permitted.
• William Barclay; humans cannot be trusted with complete autonomy.

Question 4

What might a paragraph on situation ethic’s application to euthanasia include?

Answer 4

• Fletcher was the head of the American euthanasia society. SE is completely relativist so could permit euthanasia if it demonstrates the most agape.
• For example, Dr Cox and Lilian Boyle. Euthanasia was most loving, so permitted.
• Benefit: allows complex situations to be dealt with. Absolute theories may struggle with conflicting duties.
• Barclay criticises level of autonomy SE offers.
• John Robinson disagrees.

Question 5

What may a paragraph on Natural Law’s application to euthanasia include?

Answer 5

• Aquinas observed that one of the five primary precepts is to preserve human life. This therefore prohibits euthanasia
• Benefit: natural law provides easy to follow, deontological rules. This will make decisions surrounding issues such as euthanasia easier to follow
• Natural law is outdated. Mortality rates were significantly higher in Aquinas’ time, which is perhaps why he felt that prohibiting euthanasia was correct- times have changed. Society was also much more chaotic, meaning that it required strict rules. John Robinson argues we have developed since medieval times so no longer require them.