euthanasia A level new spec 2016

?

euthanasia

defines as easy death - is death actually ever easy?

Voluntary euthanasia: the patient gives constent that this is what they want

Non voluntary: they cant give consent, they may be in PVS (persistant vegative state) e.g. a family member decides when to switch the machine off if the patient is in a coma

Active: direct intervention e.g. a lethal injection. this is illegal in the UK

Passive: withholding intervention e.g. stopping treatment. this isnt seen as bad as active euthanasia as it isnt direct action

Hippocratic Oath

doctors take this oath to say they will preserve life, therefore they should be againist euthanaisa

Hippocrates (who made this oath) said you shouldnt purposely prolong life if the medincine isnt helping and it is 'powerless'

1 of 2

sanctity and quality of life

Sanctity of life:

  • Christians would disgaree with euthanasia because it life is a sacred gift from God
  • it is a sin to end it early because God gave us this gift via His grace
  • God should decide when we come into and out of this world not us, we are taking his role as the creator
  • is sanctity more important than our dignity?

Quality of life:

  • prolonging our life if it is so low quality seems incompassionate
  • should be allowed full autonomy - it is our body to do with what we want
  • we start to lose our sense of personhood (who we are) and this lowers our quality of life

Could argue people with extreme disabilities such as Stephen Hawkins have a high quality of life so we shouldn't feel that we should need to partake in euthanasia

2 of 2

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Religious Studies resources:

See all Religious Studies resources »See all Philosophy resources »