Study Document
Biomedical Ethics: Euthanasia. One Way Term Paper
Pages:1 (449 words)
Sources:1
Subject:Technology
Topic:Biomedical
Document Type:Term Paper
Document:#40853637
At a first glance, the main assumption of utilitarianism that preaches the greatest good for the greatest number seems the right decision. According to Maguire (cited in Gula, 1991), however, physical life is not the greatest or absolute value and death is not the absolute evil. There are other values that transcend physical life, such as personal integrity, human dignity, and the freedom to determine the direction of one's life according to one's convictions. Therefore, the persons in cause have the right to decide for themselves when their life should end. When a person considers that personality is extinguished there is no reason to preserve biological life, since integrity, human dignity and freedom require and suggest the right to make a decision concerning life and death. Such choice proves a relief to relatives and family and makes possible a reallocation of medical resources.
In conclusion, the paper reflected on the utilitarian assumptions as applied to euthanasia. From this point-of-view, the person should have the right to decide over one's own life and death, but the decision is morally valid if it provides the greatest good for the greatest number. The difficulty of the decision becomes more intense depending on the perceptions of the decision-maker relative to physical life and transcendental values.
References
Gula R. (1991) Moral Perspectives on Euthanasia. Studies in Christian Ethics; 4;…
Sample Source(s) Used
References
Gula R. (1991) Moral Perspectives on Euthanasia. Studies in Christian Ethics; 4; 22, retrieved at http://sce.sagepub.com
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