Euthanasia and "The First Immortal"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the debate over the legality and ethics of euthanasia. It bases its discussion on James Halperin's novel, "The First Immortal: A Novel of the Future", in which the author begins with a scene that depicts the primary reason why individuals might choose euthanasia over a natural demise. The paper discusses the appropriate character choice in the book and discusses the issues that Halperin presents.

From the Paper:

"Detractors of euthanasia as a legal if not state sponsored activity not only rely on the traditional religious reasons against it but also on philosophical and psychological musings. Somerville describes euthanasia as largely resulting from hopelessness and therefore is implying that these individuals are opting for euthanasia simply because they believe they have no future (pars.8-12). Such commentary is overly simplistic and without merit. In fact, the contrary is most often the case. Euthanasia and the decision to employ it is a highly personal one and certainly one in which the participants put much thought into. Additionally, if it were not for the innate sense of hope that the result will be better than their present circumstances that these individuals who, for whatever reason, choose to employ euthanasia, it would not be a serious consideration."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chevlen, Eric. "The Reality of Euthanasia." First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life Nov. 2002: 52+.
• Dowbiggin, Ian. A Merciful End: The Euthanasia Movement in Modern America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.
• Drake, Stephen. "Euthanasia Is out of Control in the Netherlands: Changing the Rules to Accommodate Bigotry." The Hastings Center Report 35.3 (2005): 53.
• Gallagher, Hugh. "What the Nazi "Euthanasia Program" Can Tell Us about Disability Oppression." Journal of Disability Policy Studies 12.2 (2001): 96.
• Halperin, James. The First Immortal: A Novel of the Future. New York: Del Rey, 1998.

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