Euthanasia
Euthanasia may be defined as the action of killing an individual for reasons considered merciful. Throughout history Euthanasia (mercy killing) is a topic that has brought about many different opinions. There have been many discussions as well as court cases surrounding this controversial issue. Even though many have tried to tackle this issue, no one has succeeded without extreme criticism. Is there really an answer to the question of Euthanasia being right or wrong?An argument for Euthanasia is as follows: 1-The morally right thing to do, on any occasion, is whatever would bring about the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness.2-On at least some occasion, the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness may be brought about by mercy killing.3-Therefore, on at least some occasions, mercy killing may be morally right. (Rachels 100)Most philosophers today think that this argument isn't sound because of the fact that premise 1 is wrong. They believe that increasing happiness and decreasing misery aren't the only morally important things. People who give this argument get criticized highly for only looking at the consequences. People that argue against this argument believe that besides the consequenc
If this person wishes to die, it wouldn't harm any one else. If people see a deer, which had been hit by a car, and is in terrible pain, they will kill it, out of pity. The argument for Backward-Looking Reasons is that of keeping your promises. Lets say you promised your friend that you would meet her for lunch at one o' clock but you decide later that you don't want to go. Their approach is "Where there is life, there is hope", so even a person, who has 20 tubes stuck in them, feeding them, breathing for them, there is still life, and who knows? Maybe the future will bring the cure? Euthanasia does mean "Good death", but there can still be no conclusion to a question, whether Euthanasia should be accepted or not. First of all, they have taken their wove, always to assist patients in prolonging their lives, and Euthanasia completely contradicts this. Lets consider a case where a person has a car accident, which paralyses him from neck and down, and is doomed to sit in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, he knows that he will be 100% dependant on the ones that care for him, his lived ones, forever. Several people in society are in favor of euthanasia mostly because they feel that as a democratic country, we as free individuals have the right to decide for ourselves whether or not to end our lives. Even if the women never find out, it is still wrong. The doctor's view on Euthanasia seems to be overall different. The whole situation only gets worse, if the patient himself can see that his condition is worsening, and only time keeps his thoughts clear. For the Rights argument, the case of the peeping tom is a good example. Never being able to walk again, never being able to talk to your children again, never being able to go shopping, swimming, playing, driving Etc. One could also say that if there were laws restricting Euthanasia, they would be taking away our personal rights.
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