In-depth and critical A01 + A02 notes and model paragraph structures for the Euthanasia topic, for the Religion and Ethics unit for OCR Religious Studies.
EUTHANASIA
Sanctity of Life
Religious principle that all life is sacred and needs to be preserved at all
costs
Supported by NML and Catholic Church
Strong SoL principle: Pro-life, vitalism view. Euthanasia is always wrong as
it is blasphemous against the God given soul.
1. Humans are different as they are created in God’s likeness. We
have a divine spark, and the love of Jesus.
2. Life is a loan to humans. Only God can determine when we die.
3. Innocent should always be respected
4. Life needs to always be loved and respected. The Parable of
the Good Samaritan
Roman Catholic church are strong SoL: Pope St. Paul II in Evangelium Vitae:
Euthanasia marginalizes the weak and is a “conspiracy against life”
Weak SoL principle: Supports the notion of putting something “out of its
misery” as that has no evil ulterior motive. It is an act of Love in extreme
circumstances.
1. No one has the duty to endure extreme pain. We may live a
life as “living sacrifices” but that does not mean unbearable pain.
2. Life is a gift, not a burden by God
Quality of Life
Secular view that human life needs certain attributes to have value
Instrumentalist: Based on its value to an outcome.
Rejects SoL, as human life depends on its ability to have desires and
preferences, not just a soul that God gave us.
Rethinking Life and Death QoL commandments:
1. Worth of human life varies
2. Take responsibility for your actions
3. Respect a person’s desire in ending their life
4. Bring children into the world only if they are wanted
5. Humans are no better than animals
CRITICISM: Singer’s comments on the Baby Doe case, comparing the
death to that of a defective animal. Raises questions on where humans
stand in the hierarchy of a valuable life.
CRITCISM: Slippery slope argument, it was argued in the Letter to
Times 2004 that if QoL is grounds for euthanasia for those who request it
then logically this could be extended to those who do not request it.
Quality of Life Basis’s
Happiness (Utilitarian view)
Where happiness outweighs un-happiness.
Total happiness: If the amount of happiness can no longer be increased,
judged not worth living
, Average happiness: If maintaining an average and then a sharp decline,
not worth living.
Higher qualities: Possessing the minimum higher qualities makes you a
valuable life
Autonomy
Acting with personal autonomy regarding your life, without hurting others
JS Mill “Liberal Principle”- He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or
forebear because it is better for him to do so”
CRIT: Paternalism can arise where one’s best interest takes precedent
over their autonomy.
Consciousness
Jonathan Glover Causing Death and Saving Lives says that the value of life
depends on consciousness
Supports non-voluntary euthanasia of PVS patients (“there is nothing to
choose between both (a PVS person and someone with little self-
determination)
Voluntary Euthanasia (The right to self-determination)
When one makes their own choice to end their life with act or consent
(self-determination)
Can only be made by those who have the consciousness to make that
decision (those with incurable illnesses with a poor quality of life)
Diane Pretty case: Diane had a severe motor neuron disease, and
appealed to the Court of Human Rights to fight to the right of assisted
suicide. It was rejected on grounds of Human Rights law and the 1961
Suicide Act.
Peter Singer: The Dutch parliament approved voluntary euthanasia in
1993, on grounds that it is physician-administered and checked thoroughly
that is based on the patient’s wishes, and that there would be no other
hope.
1. “When can Dutch doctors directly, intentionally and openly kill their
patients- and the heavens have not fallen-drawing subtle distinctions
between acts and omissions begin to seem like splitting hairs” (Is
morality the same as legality?)
Non-voluntary Euthanasia
Decisions on ending their life is made on behalf of the patient who cannot
express their desire to live or die
Deciding what is best is more evaluative than prescriptive
Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) is when a person is still technically alive,
but braindead. There is discussion on whether ending their life is any
different from their dead donor rule state before.
Tony Bland case: Bland was kept on life support in a PVS state, but had it
switched off at the request of his family. He was no longer considered by
the law as a living person.
“Slippery slope “example
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