Philosophy 2440 Exam #3 (all solved)

Active euthanasia correct answers The intentional termination of the life of one human being by another (mercy killing) Passive euthanasia correct answers The cessation of the employment of extraordinary means to prolong the life of the body when there is irrefutable evidence that biological death is imminent The conventional doctrine correct answers - Passive euthanasia is morally permissible - Active euthanasia is NOT morally permissible James Rachels correct answers Doesn't defend either form of euthanasia but... - Active euthanasia is often more humane than passive (mercy killing for a cancer patient is more humane than letting them suffer and die slowly) - There is no moral difference between killing and letting die (Smith and Jones case of watching the kid die or killing the kid) Objections to James Rachels' views (objection to active over passive) correct answers 1. The doctor is not destroying a healthy person Response: no moral difference between killing and letting die 2. Cessation of treatment does NOT have the intention of terminating life Response: No point to stop treatment if it weren't ending life 3. In passive, the doctor doesn't kill, the disease does Response: The doctor is letting the patient die though - doing nothing IS an action Euthanasia correct answers An action or omission which of itself by or by intention causes death, in order that all suffering may in this way be eliminated Chris Hill (the suicide note) correct answers - Had a hang glider accident and woke up paralyzed - Wanted an active euthanasia Chris Hill - utilitarian argument correct answers - Hill considered life not acceptable in his position - People put animals out of there misery - Wants his wife to find happiness - Extremely expensive for his recovery/rehabilitation Chris Hill - deontological view correct answers Hill was never given the choice of a "dignified death" Chris Hill - virtue ethics implication correct answers Hill said that the doctor's assumption of life at any cost was inhumane Catholics' view on euthanasia correct answers - Passive euthanasia is morally permissible (refusal of treatment is NOT suicide, it's "acceptance of human condition")