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SECTION A: BIOMEDICAL ETHICS
NOTE: If you have chosen to study Section A: Biomedical...
PLS3702
PORTFOLIO SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 6 NOVEMBER 2024
, PLS3702
OctoberPortfolio Semester 2 2024
Unique Number:
Due Date: 6 November 2024
Modern Philosophy
SECTION A: BIOMEDICAL ETHICS
Question 1
Are Euthanasia and Abortion Comparable Ethical Issues? An Analysis Through
Deontological, Teleological, and Virtue Ethics
The ethical considerations of abortion and euthanasia remain some of the most divisive
issues in modern biomedical ethics. Both involve decisions related to life and death,
raising complex moral questions. In this essay, I will explore whether euthanasia and
abortion can be seen as comparable ethical issues, using the perspectives of
deontological ethics, teleological ethics, and virtue ethics. By analyzing each framework,
we can gain insight into how these ethical theories address the moral complexities of
ending or permitting the end of life.
Deontological Ethics
Deontological ethics, often associated with the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, judges the
morality of actions based on rules or duties rather than on their consequences (Kant,
1785/1993). In this view, actions are intrinsically right or wrong, independent of the
outcomes they produce. According to Kantian ethics, moral actions respect the inherent
dignity of individuals, treating people as ends in themselves and never merely as means
(Kant, 1785/1993).
Application to Abortion: In a deontological framework, abortion may be viewed
as morally impermissible if it involves taking an innocent life, which would violate
, the moral duty to respect and protect human life (Marquis, 1989). If the fetus is
granted moral status, terminating its life could be seen as treating it as a means
to achieve other ends (e.g., the well-being of the mother). This perspective would
prioritize the principle of duty to life over considerations of personal choice or
circumstances.
Application to Euthanasia: Similarly, euthanasia—particularly active
euthanasia, where an action is taken to end a person’s life—is often viewed as
morally impermissible under deontological ethics. This approach generally
condemns killing, even when motivated by compassion, as it violates the inherent
duty to preserve life (Velleman, 1992). However, some deontologists distinguish
between active and passive euthanasia, with the latter (allowing someone to die
by withholding treatment) potentially being morally acceptable since it does not
involve direct action to end life (Rachels, 1975).
In deontological ethics, euthanasia and abortion appear comparable as both involve the
deliberate termination of life, challenging the moral duty to preserve life. However,
differences may arise regarding autonomy and perceived moral status, as deontologists
may weigh the fetus and the terminally ill differently.
Teleological Ethics
Teleological ethics, including consequentialism and utilitarianism, assesses the morality
of actions based on their outcomes. The most well-known form, utilitarianism, holds that
an action is right if it maximizes overall well-being or minimizes suffering (Mill,
1863/2001).
Application to Abortion: From a utilitarian perspective, abortion can be morally
permissible if it results in a greater balance of happiness over suffering. For
example, if carrying the pregnancy to term would lead to significant suffering for
the mother or the child due to financial, health, or emotional factors, abortion
might be ethically acceptable as it prevents future hardship (Singer, 1993). This
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