...subject of great moral interest to many when it comes to the right to die. Who has the right to decide when a life should be ended? When should an individual have the choice in determining their final day or days? Is it right to help another kill themselves? These are just a few of many unanswered questions based on justification of morality. Although many offer their opinions and beliefs to these types of questions, the fact still stands that many disagree on the matter of euthanasia being morally right. With this thought in mind, John Hardwig’s article, “Is There a Duty to Die?” (178-88) sheds a little light to these questions. For instance, “Hardwig argues there is a duty to die that goes beyond refusing life-prolonging treatment,” and “In some cases this duty may require one to end one’s life, even in the absence of any terminal illness, and even if one would prefer to live” (178). I totally disagree with these beliefs of Hardwig. After reading all the readings, I found myself in disgust with Hardwig’s article the most because of my Christian beliefs. I believe that God has our days numbered and only He should have the right to decide when we should die. God gave life to us so why should we have the right to take it or participate in taking another’s? Although Hardwig creates a strong case for the duty to die, I view things a lot differently than he does. First, John Hardwig’s, “Is There a Duty to Die?” (178-88) elaborates on the different viewpoints of euthanasia. For...
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...argue that every human has the right to die if they are going to be in extreme pain or stress from an illness that comes with impending doom/death. The opposing argument is that human dignity has to be respected and that life is the greatest thing ever and that death is the ultimate evil. In this case of Mr. Collums and his brother (J.K.) with Alzheimer’s, the act of euthanasia is involuntary euthanasia. It is involuntary because J.K. was unable to care for any of his bodily needs, and could not speak or communicate with anyone. He was being fed applesauce through a tube basically. Since J.K. was in a state of vegetation, he was not capable of giving his brother the “A-Ok” to shoot him five times as fast as he could. Being a student of John Hardwig, James Rachel, and Peter Singer, I would argue in Mr. Collums’s side because the philosophers are in favor of dying quickly and painlessly rather than long and suffering. Although the philosophers have somewhat similar arguments, they each bring a unique way of looking at their position and defending it. John Hardwig is the head of the department of philosophy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Hardwig’s argument is that there is so called “Duty to Die”. The duty to die goes beyond refusing treatment, also known as passive euthanasia. It also stretches so far that someone may have to end their life, even in the absence of chronic disease and if they would prefer to live. The duty to die becomes more apparent when the burdens...
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...less than six months to live (Procon.org 2014). The question is, is euthanasia ethical? In this paper, I will be focusing on euthanasia and how it relates to the Deontology Theory. The Deontology Theory relates to the rights and wrongs of actions themselves. It is defined as "the focus on the duties and obligations one has in carrying out actions rather than on the consequences of those actions” (Mosser, 2013). Meaning, the act is right or wrong, depending upon the action in which it was brought upon. In general, Deontologist tend to focus on the the will of the person and their intentions. Euthanasia is a very debatable topic. It is a heated topic because it relates to death. Some may say euthanasia is allowing people to die, which is the same as killing. Whereas others may see it as the right to die, especially when one is suffering with a terminal illness …."life is a precious gift from God. To end it prematurely is to reject that gift; only God should determine when life should end" (Mosser, 2013). In judging whether or not euthanasia is moral in regards to Deontology, we have to first talk about the action, killing. Morally speaking, not all killings are the same. Being able to die with dignity, gives one the ability to make an important decision not only for them but for those around. We must respect people's dignity, according to Kant (Lacewing...
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...Euthanasia and the Right to Die Connie Galloway National American University Abstract Most people believe that everyone should have the right to make choices about their lives and healthcare options. However their deaths are a whole different story. A quality of death is as important as a quality of life. However, modern technology has made it easier to live than to die. Everyone should have a choice concerning both their lives and their deaths. These choices should be based on an individual level, as everyone has their own level of well-being. Euthanasia and the Right to Die The voluntary moral permissibility of active euthanasia is based on the values of self-determination and individual well-being. Although euthanasia involves the deliberate killing of an innocent person, so does withdrawing life-sustaining treatment at a patients request and allowing the patient to die. The concept of a good death is something humans have contemplated since the beginning of time. It is also a concept that has changed significantly over time. In prehistoric time death was nonparticipartory, meaning that the person dying did not play apart in his or her own death, but rather death was experienced by the survivors. In premodern time death happened at home involving the dying person, the family, and the community. In modern times death would occur in hospitals controlled by physicians. The dying person and his or her family member had little to no participation in determining goals of care...
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...1. Theory of Duty by Immanuel Kant is one of the examples of ethical theories. Theory of duty is commonly defined as one’s moral obligation. Duty should not be influenced by outside motivation but that duty is an obligation that one performs because they ought to and not because of any personal interest or benefit. For example, it is our duty and right to participate in political exercises such as election because we ought to. We have the duty and responsibility to select our leaders. The kind of political leader that we have reflects the kind of electorate we have. We vote during election because it is our duty and not because we are forced to or given promises and/or money. 2. Empiricism and Idealism are complicated concepts in Philosophy so this is a broad description. Idealism is the knowledge that comes from the subject. It also emphasizes the pre-eminent importance of mind, soul and spirit. Idealism is the category of philosophical systems that claim reality is dependent upon the mind rather than independent of the mind. Extreme versions of Idealism deny that any 'world' exists outside of our minds. It is a view that stresses to role the ideal or the spiritual in the interpretation of experience. Idealism is a search for Absolute Truth. It assumes that there is a design and purpose to the universe and the human mind, and by discovering this purpose they can understand everything. While Empiricism asserts that the truth comes from experience. It also states...
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...Xanthus, that he knows he will die in Troy (Book 19). Indeed, this prior knowledge of his likely death contributes to his unwillingness to fight especially after Briseis has been taken. Further, Achilles explains to Nestor that he would rather live an inglorious but long life than die a short and honorable death. However, each hero’s eventual return to the fight despite their premonitions of death display a kind of courage that their society...
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...ACS 242 Mini Project #5 for extra credit By: Dena Lovtang 03/13/13 ISSUE PAPER Should the elderly or terminally ill people be exempt from drug regulations because their life expectancy is short? Should they be given maximum pain relief and or whatever pleasure they can gain from the drugs? I chose this subject as it hits close to home. Last year my grandma whom was 92 and in a lot of pain was authorized to have the death with dignity medication put on her list of medications that she could order if she felt it was needed. At first my mother and I thought well it was a good idea since she was so miserable. Later that year she called my mom one day and said “order the Medication I am done” my mom was shocked and asked her what was going on she said her cable was out and she just did not want to go on living like this. We got the cable working and she then chose to cancel the order for the medication. At that point I realized how they must feel and what things we take for granted that are everything to an elderly person in this situation. I think they should be able to have it available but I think there needs to be a close watch on who is making the decision as you can see my grandma could have ended her life over cable TV. Here is some information I found on the subject at hand. A person diagnosed with a terminal illness as determined by medical professionals should be allowed to have any drug they want for any reason, including euthanasia or recreation. Since...
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...fully recover. On Monday he came to visit and there was a different patient in her bed. He asked the hospital staff where they had moved her. "Oh", a resident replied, "we needed the bed, so we gave her the injection last night". He meant a lethal injection, of course. I have heard anecdotal stories that elderly people in the Netherlands are now afraid to check into hospitals, for fear that they will be killed. According to Rita Marker of the International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force, euthanasia now accounts for 15% of the deaths in the Netherlands. A few years ago Governor Richard Lamm of Colorado said that the "terminally ill elderly have a duty to die and get out of the way". ["Elderlys' Duty to Die", New York Times, 29 March 1984] Note that we have already made the transition from discussing "a right to die" to "a duty to die". What does it say about our society, when we say that we will stop caring for a person because he is "unproductive" or "surplus"? I do not believe that the value of a human life can be measured by how many machine parts this person can make or how much he can be expected to pay in taxes. We must engage in economic activities to live, but this is not why we live. The purpose of economics is to sustain human life; the purpose of human life is not to sustain economics. A crippled person, a mentally retarded person, or an old person is no less valuable than a young and healthy person. The fact that they contribute less to the economy (even if true...
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...“Duty over a Right: Euthanasia Weighed” “Duty over a Right: Euthanasia Weighed” Euthanasia is a highly emotive and contentious subject, giving rise to a great deal of conflicts. However, despite its frequent exposure in public and professional media, there appears to be a lack of clarity about the concepts and definitions used in the euthanasia controversy. This suggests that discussions on this subject are inadequately informed and ineffectual. The ethical focus of the euthanasia issue concerns the moral legitimacy of ‘voluntary euthanasia.’ Euthanasia is a deliberate intervention or omission with the express intention of hastening or ending an individual’s life, to relieve intractable pain or suffering. As per the given problem of a 60 year old patient with stage 4 cancer asking for euthanasia, I would choose to be the lawyer of the doctor who refuses to perform euthanasia. ETHICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS My client’s refusal of performing euthanasia is primarily because the act itself is against the principles of Beneficence, Nonmaleficence and Life Preservation. By virtue of the Principle of Beneficence, one should act to further the welfare and benefits of another and to prevent evil or harm to that person. Also, the Principle of Nonmaleficence provides that one should refrain from inflicting harm or unduly risking the infliction of harm on another. Lastly, we have a moral duty to protect and preserve human life whenever possible as within the context of life preservation...
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...alternative definitions have been suggested. According to the whole-brain definition of death, an individual is dead when all brain function permanently stops. The higher brain definition of death says that an individual is dead when higher brain functions—those that give rise to consciousness—permanently stop (Lewis 266-267). I believe when faced with certain undignified death, one should get to choose how they wish to die. For example: Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old with terminal brain cancer and less than six months left to live, who wanted to die on her own terms wrote the following: “When my suffering becomes too great, I can say to all those I love, ‘I love you; come by my side, and come say goodbye as I pass into whatever’s next.’ I will die upstairs in my bedroom with my husband, mother, stepfather, and best friend by my side and pass peacefully. I can’t imagine trying to rob anyone else of that choice (Maynard).” I have taken care of people who are in constant severe pain and who’s bodies are failing them, seen people be afraid to die without dignity...
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...wish for a physician assisted suicide. This makes people want to end the misery of these suffering people, and they feel that physician assisted suicide should be legalized. Therefore, a lot of people have risen to advocate for physician assisted suicide. However, physician assisted suicide should not be legalized as it is a form of killing, which puts human life to an end. Terminating the life of a person to end his/her physical suffering will only increase the number of deaths. A lot of people also feel that psychological suffering should also be included in the list. Protect Life All people in the society have a moral duty to preserve and protect lives of human beings. Therefore, people should never be allowed to assist in ending the lives of others. This is because by allowing people to end lives of others, the society will destroy the fundamental duty of valuing human life. The society also feels that people have a responsibility to make lives of suffering people worth living (De Ville, 2001). People should not end lives of the sick. Instead, they should take this challenge to serve humanity and they should always care for others. The society that is characterized by strong social bonds does not (and should not) support physician aided suicide. This is because death should only result from natural (and other related) causes, but it should never be predetermined by people. A society that will allow physician aided...
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...physician assisted death such as patients’ rights, physicians controlling the right if someone lives or dies, a patience’s mental state, a family member’s rights, religious beliefs of the parties involved and the law. Philosophers attempt to explain the different theories that people will use to argue their belief systems in terms of logic and reasoning. For example, some people may take the position of a deontologist who would argue that it is our moral duty to support and sustain life therefore assisted suicide should not be allowed. Unfortunately, this very emotional thought provoking debate is not a “black and white issue,” as most ethical arguments are not. In the situation of physician-assisted death, I disagree with the deontologist point of view that it is immoral for a physician to assist a patient in suicide. I believe as some relativist due, that as long as the patient is fully capable of making this decision and the patient is in a constant state of agony, then the patient has the right to make the choice to live or die. A relativist believes that morals are only relative to that particular society and if physician assisted, death was considered moral in that group then it would be considered a moral act. Neither theory is without flaws as some deontologist even share my point of view and some relativist can be extreme in what they...
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...|Assisted Suicide: | |A Right or a Wrong? | |By Claire Andre and Manuel Velasquez | |Matthew Donnelly loved life. But Matthew Donnelly wanted to die. For the past thirty years, Matthew had conducted research on the use of | |X-rays. Now, skin cancer riddled his tortured body. He had lost his nose, his left hand, two fingers on his right hand, and part of his | |jaw. He was left blind and was slowly deteriorating. The pain was unrelenting. Doctors estimated that he had a year to live. Lying in bed | |with teeth clenched from the excruciating pain, he pleaded to be put out of his misery. Matthew wanted to die now. His pleas went | |unanswered. Then, one day, Matthew's brother Harold, unable to ignore Matthew's repeated cry, removed a .30 caliber pistol from his dresser| |drawer, walked to the hospital, and shot and killed his brother. Harold was tried for murder. | |Rapid and dramatic developments in medicine and technology have given us the power to save more lives than was ever possible in the past. | |Medicine has put at our disposal the means to cure or to reduce the suffering of...
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...A controversial topic in the world today is having the right to take ones own life in certain conditions of pain an suffering of unbearable pain or an untreatable illness. The proper term for this act is called Euthanasia, which translates from Greek roots as “good death” (Kastenbaum 267). Having the right to die is a powerful right that if were made legal could create many dark roads, which there would be no turning back on once entered. On the other hand having the right to die when diagnosed with an untreatable illness and given the option to an ideal death as some might put it by passing away under euthanasia. I believe that living in a free society that allows citizens the right to their own death under the right circumstances decided by that one person and their condition that is either physically or mentally daunting. Having other people dictate when this time in life occurs or not occurs to me just does not make sense. Giving the power to someone to decide what is best for them is in all that one persons decision and should not be dictated by anyone else. The right to die first entered America in 1976 in a New Jersey courtroom. Before this the act of taking one’s life by euthanasia was thought only for animals or that of a sinner. During this time in the 1970’s religion had much more of an impact with more followers and believers in the everyday lives of the American people than compared todays society (Gallup). In 1975 Karen Ann Quinlan, 21 collapsed and stopped breathing...
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...Call of Duty Black Ops 3 Vs. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Call of Duty Black Ops 3 (COD) is a game based off of a military background. It is a first person shooter (FPS) type of game. This type of game is very different from another game type considered as a Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). Some people have a preference to which type of game they prefer. COD has many fans and followers of their series over the last couple of years. Fans are very into this type of game and prefer to play games strictly related to the COD franchise. COD is very fast paced, very random, and requires little strategy to have fun with the game. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Skyrim) is what is considered to be an MMORPG. This is the exact opposite of an FPS. Skyrim is very slow paced, requires a lot of skill, and follows a plot. This leads to a much longer game play, and also an extremely large map. COD is played on smaller sized maps and follows no plot. Skyrim you have to have followed the series in order to understand the next part. This is the fifth game in the series. These games are complete opposites of each other. Call Of Duty Black Ops 3 is a very fast paced type of action game. Players choose teams or choose to go solo and battle against each other in a war like scenario. This game has rounds that last around 10 minutes for each particular session. The game can also win when a certain score or objective is reached/ completed. When you are killed...
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