Chapter 10 Questions

.docx

School

Montgomery College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

140

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MateWildcat2938

1. What is euthanasia? What is physician- assisted suicide? What is the difference between voluntary euthanasia and nonvoluntary euthanasia? What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia? (p. 286) According to the textbook “Euthanasia is directly or indirectly bringing about the death of another person for that person’s sake.” (Vaughn, 2019, p. 264) Additionally the textbook states “physician-assisted suicide—the killing of a person by the person’s own hand with the help of a physician.” (Vaughn, 2019, p.265) There are many types of euthanasia, for example voluntary and non-voluntary. According to the textbook voluntary euthanasia is when “the patient requests or agrees to the act. She may make the request in person or leave instructions to be followed in case she becomes incapacitated” (Vaughn, 2019, p.264). However, nonvoluntary euthanasia is when “others besides the patient (family or physicians, for example) choose euthanasia for her because she is not competent (due to illness or injury) and has left no instructions regarding her end-of-life preferences.” (Vaughn, 2019, p.264) Simply put voluntary you make the decision and nonvoluntary others make the decision for you. In addition to voluntary and nonvoluntary there is active and passive euthanasia. Active euthanasia “a is taking a direct action to kill someone, to carry out a “mercy killing.”” (Vaughn, 2019, p.265) Passive euthanasia “a is allowing someone to die by not doing something—by withholding or withdrawing measures necessary for sustaining life” (Vaughn, 2019, p.265). In simple terms active euthanasia is performing an action that will kill the person while passive is not doing anything, but it still results in the death of the person. 2. What is the higher-brain definition of death? What is an advanced directive? What is the American Medical Association’s official view of physician- assisted suicide? Do you agree, why or why not? The higher-brain definition of death says, “ that an individual is dead when higher brain functions— those that give rise to consciousness—permanently stop.” (Vaughn, 2019, p.267) There are legal documents to deal with problems such as higher- brain definition of death when no one knows how to move forward. It is called advanced directive which are legal documents that allow people to state what medical treatments they want or do not want if they are unable to make decisions or communicate because of severe illness or injury.

According to the textbook “The official position of the American Medical Association (AMA), the main professional group for American physicians, is that “Physician assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks”” (Vaughn, 2019, p.265). I do not agree with this viewpoint as the statement contains value judgments such as "fundamentally incompatible" and "serious societal risks.” Their judgments are subjective and not universally applicable. Additionally, their statement does not acknowledge that there are diverse perspectives within the medical community and society at large on this issue. Also, being a healer does not mean extending life, it can also mean respecting a patient’s autonomy. 3. Do you think voluntary active euthanasia is morally permissible in some cases? Why or why not? I do think voluntary active euthanasia is morally permissible in some cases because no one should have to suffer and be in pain if they choose not to be. Individuals should have the right to make decisions about their own lives, including the choice to end their suffering when facing unbearable pain or a terminal illness. Plus, when performed with the patient's informed consent, can be seen as a compassionate and humane response to end intolerable suffering. Ending a life that is characterized by unbearable suffering can be seen as a morally virtuous act. 4. Do you consider Dr. Kevorkian’s practice of physician-assisted suicide morally acceptable? Why or why not? I do consider his practice of physician-assisted suicide morally acceptable. As mentioned before, if an individual consent, then it is their decision as it is their life. Plus, if you know you’re going to die painfully then you should have the right to pass peacefully if you choose. Mentioned previously ending your life when you face unbearable pain could be considered a morally virtuous act. Respecting a person's autonomous choice in my opinion is a fundamental ethical principle. 5. How might an act- utilitarian argue for physician- assisted suicide? Critique this argument. How might a Kantian argue against physician-assisted suicide? With which theory do you agree and why?

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help