Ethics of Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a definition of euthanasia, and then relates it to the principle of utility as described in 'An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation' by Jeremy Bentham. The paper then discusses the ethical perspective of euthanasia from the perspective of religion.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"From this point of view, if an action brings them happiness, it possesses utility; by contrast, to the extent that it does not do so is the extent to which it can be viewed as being a constraint to happiness: "By the principle of utility is meant that principle which approves or disapproves of every action whatsoever, according to the tendency which it appears to have to augment or diminish the happiness of the party whose interest is in question: or, what is the same thing in other words, to promote or to oppose that happiness" (p. 12). In reality, then, the steps that could be followed in an application of this principle to the concept of the ethics of euthanasia are not very different from any other setting."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bentham, J. (1996). An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
• Black's law dictionary. (1990). St. Paul, MN: West Publishing Co.
• Donhoff, M., & Merkel, R. (1995). Not compassion alone: On euthanasia and ethics. The Hastings Center Report, 25(7), 44.
• Emanuel, E. (1997, March). Whose right to die? America should think again before pressing ahead with the legalization of physician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia. The Atlantic Monthly, 279(3), 73.
• Friedlander, H. (1995). The origins of Nazi genocide: From euthanasia to the final solution. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.

More papers on Ethics of Euthanasia:

• Argumentative Essay # 13729 : "Ethics of Euthanasia"
• Analytical Essay # 135777 : "Ethics of Passive and Active Euthanasia"
• Term Paper # 148030 : "A Look into the World of Euthanasia"

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