Euthanasia, Philosophy and Ethics

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the debates regarding the ethical validity of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide date back to ancient times; however, little progress has been made towards reaching a consensus, one way or the other, either within the field of medicine or the field of philosophy. The author points out that the broad movement within the medical community to improve the quality of end of life care has brought euthanasia to the forefront of social, philosophical and medical discussions, more so than ever in the past. The paper states that if one assumes that it is morally wrong to end the life of another member of society, then preservation of human life must occur at all costs; however, if the social obligation is thought to take precedence, then there must be some instances under which mercy killing or suicide is justifiable.

From the Paper:

"Many theorists have seen fit to enter into a discussion of euthanasia from the perspective of an individual human being's right to suicide. One such group of contrasting moral and political philosophers came together under Ronald Dworkin to produce "The Philosopher's Brief" on assisted suicide in 2003. Dworkin et al. presented a rather comprehensive and convincing argument for physician assisted suicide based upon the fundamental doctrines and moral positions of the United States. Central to their discussion was the notion that individual members of American society must be allowed the "most intimate and personal choices central to personal dignity and autonomy." "

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