Free Essay

J. Gay Williams: a Defense of Humanity

In:

Submitted By rizwan95
Words 936
Pages 4
J. Gay Williams: A Defense of Humanity

Gay-Williams defines euthanasia as “intentionally taking the life of a presumably hopeless person;” hopeless meaning the suffering individual has very little chance of recovery and intentionally meaning the intention has to explicitly to be to kill the individual (Munson, 704). Hence, the term ‘passive euthanasia’ cannot exist, because the sufferer is “not killed…nor is the death of the person intended by the withholding of additional treatment” (704). However, here Williams assumes that the doctor’s intention when ending a treatment is never to kill the patient but always something else. After clarifying the term euthanasia, Williams presents his argument from nature that it is inherently wrong. At the scientific, biological level, it is natural for the body to work towards survival. Hence, survival is a ‘natural goal’. Euthanasia is “literally acting against nature because all of the processes of nature are bent towards the end of bodily survival” (705). By ending life, which is an end of nature itself, euthanasia is obviously unnatural (705). Williams does not stop there but further argues that euthanasia is immoral. He presents it more implicitly, stating that he “shall not employ this line of argument,” but he does still state it (705). He argues that since the body is an individual’s trust from God, by taking his own life, is acting against God. Hence, euthanasia is immoral as well. The crux of Williams’ argument relating to nature is in his discussion of reason (705). He argues that what separates us from “animals” is our ability to reason, and it is this reasoning which becomes the vehicle of human morality and behavior. It is not very hard to see why euthanasia, as something that goes against this reasoning, this natural reasoning, should be something that must be carefully approached, if not outright rejected. As Williams states, “Euthanasia involves acting as if this….inclination towards survival and awareness…did not exist”. Euthanasia, as it relates to nature, sparks an argument of reason; or the lack thereof. Is it even reasonable to consider such a procedure as it goes against basic human rights, character, and conscious reason? Williams follows with his second argument, that euthanasia is wrong because by practicing it “we will work against our own interest if we practice it or allow it to be practiced on us” (705). That is assuming that working against one’s own self-interest is wrong, which Williams assumes. First, he argues, though modern medicine has a notable track record, it still may make a mistake in the form of a wrong diagnosis or such. So maybe the patient may be misdiagnosed with a fatal disease when he or she actually does not have it. Secondly, there is always a chance, however little, that some new technique or treatment may save the patient. Even more, it is possible the patient may recover without any treatment at all. Euthanasia does not allow the patient to ever recover in the future by some new technique or none at all. Lastly, the patient is usually suffering a very painful disease that may also leave him depressed, which may cause him to wish, in his moment of weakness, to die. He may also wish to save his guardians any suffering, financial or otherwise, and feel he does so by killing himself. However, if he was in a normal, stronger state of mind he would not think in such a way. Euthanasia takes advantage of the patient’s weak state and forces him to act against his self-interest. Now, there is a practical side to this euthanasia debate. If euthanasia is implemented as a medical practice there are several factors to consider. As Williams himself emphatically states, “a life lost is, for them (doctors and nurses), almost a personal failure” (705). While this may be considered as a matter of personal opinion, it is not very hard to recognize the very real challenges faced by the people in the medical profession. There is tremendous pressure to achieve high success rates, when it comes to patient cases, and be efficient at the same time. If euthanasia is implemented as a process, then this structure would have to be altered, and many adverse effects could occur, with a “decline in the quality of medical care” being the greatest effect. The constant dynamic of efficient multitasking would leave matters of euthanasia as less priority, as Williams implies, just so medical professionals can focus on the other tasks at hand. By doing so, euthanasia itself can become an overused, yet not very thought out procedure, benefiting no one in the end. Finally, there is the issue of euthanasia as a policy. Williams argues that it is a “slippery slope”, but it a far grayer area then it seems. Policy becomes about more than just the individual undergoing the procedure- there is also the matter of the patient being able to “deputize others to do it” (705). If such people can authorize such actions, then there is the matter of their states of mind, weighing their judgments in other cases, and whether such people are fit to make such decisions in the first place. This would be a hassle for policy-makers, and in a broader scale, could even turn into a more mind-numbing issue. If policy-makers themselves, such as people in the leadership, are allowed to set quotas and categorize constituents, then there can be serious repercussions. Elimination of “those who might be considered too ‘ill’ to function” may cause social outrage and create an even grayer area in policy making and political discourse.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Applied Mathematics for Business

...Applied mathematics for business, economics, life sciences, and social sciences, 1997, 1175 pages, Raymond A. Barnett, Michael R. Ziegler, Karl Byleen, 0135745756, 9780135745755, Prentice Hall, 1997 Published: 14th July 2010 DOWNLOAD http://bit.ly/1RspljW Applied mathematics for business, economics, life sciences, and social sciences This book prepares readers to understand finite mathematics and calculus used in a wide range of disciplines. Covering relevant topics from finance, linear algebra, programming, and probability, the Seventh Edition places emphasis on computational skills, ideas, and problem solving. Other highlights include a rich variety of applications and integration of graphing calculators. Provides optional regression analysis, containing optional examples and exercises illustrating the use of regression techniques to analyze real data. Both graphing calculator and spreadsheet output are included. Offers more optional technology examples and exercises using actual data. Implements use of graphing calculators in optional examples, exercises in technology, illustrations of applications of spreadsheets and sample computer output. DOWNLOAD http://bit.ly/1qC8Dk0 http://www.jstor.org/stable/2483933 Solutions manual to accompany Raymond A. Barnett and Michael R. Ziegler's finite mathematics for business, economics, life sciences, and social sciences , R. Michael Ziegler, Raymond A. Barnett, 1990, Science, 476 pages. . Precalculus functions and graphs...

Words: 3090 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

The Contemporary Use of Power

...Leadership and the use of Power to Achieve Social Change Daniel William Chappell Dallas Baptist University Leadership and the Use of Power to Achieve Social Change Introduction The United States changed forever on November 4, 2008. Anyone watching a television on this important evening knew that everything had changed. Barak Hussein Obama had just been elected the 45th President of the United States of America, and he represented the first African American to ever win this office. To many the election was a fulfillment of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream for social and political equality for African Americans. Still others, including the newly elected President, reached back to Lincoln. President Obama would also, invoke the founding fathers, giving credit to the social experiment that democracy is and thus hinting to the efforts of Washington and others. The days that followed the Obama election would be filled with symbolism leading to the concert on the steps of the Lincoln memorial, and the day of service, called by the President, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the day before inauguration. The election of President Obama seemed to have brought full circle the experiment of democracy. The dreams of the founding fathers were present, the echo of Lincoln’s consequential Presidency were present, and certainly the dreams and speeches of Dr. King were front and center in this cultural moment. Yet the cultural moment represented so much more than a continuum...

Words: 8168 - Pages: 33

Free Essay

Nothing

...HISTORY 1500 WINTER 2014 RESEARCH ESSAY TOPICS 1. Select a crusade and discuss the extent to which it accomplished its objectives. Why did it succeed or fail? Jonathan Riley-Smith, The Crusades: A Short History; Carole Hillenbrand, The Crusades: Islamic Perspectives; Christopher Tyerman, God’s War: A New History of the Crusades 2. How did anti-Semitism manifest itself in medieval Europe? Kenneth R. Stow, Alienated Minority: The Jews of Medieval Latin Europe; Mark R. Cohen, Under Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages; Solomon Grayzel, The Church and the Jews in the Thirteenth Century 3. What was the position of prostitutes in medieval society? Ruth Mazo Karras, Common Women; Leah Otis, Prostitution in Medieval Society; Margaret Wade Labarge, A Small Sound of the Trumpet: Women in Medieval Life 4. Why did the French choose to follow Joan of Arc during the the Hundred Years War? Kelly DeVries, Joan of Arc: A Military Leader; Bonnie Wheeler, ed., Fresh Verdicts on Joan of Arc; Margaret Wade Labarge, A Small Sound of the Trumpet: Women in Medieval Life 5. Discuss the significance of siege warfare during the crusades. You may narrow this question down to a single crusade if you wish. Jim Bradbury, The Medieval Siege; Randall Rogers, Latin Siege Warfare in the Twelfth Century; John France, Victory in the East: A Military History of the First Crusade 6. Why did the persecution...

Words: 5531 - Pages: 23

Premium Essay

Romans 3:21-26

...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Exegetical Paper Submitted to Dr. Ginn in partial fulfillment Of the requirements for the completion of the course NGRK 505-B03 Greek Tools by Pamela Gay March 8, 2015 Table of Contents Introduction…………………………..…………………………………..……………..…………3 Context Historical-Cultural Context…….…..…………………….………………………………..3 Literary Context …………..……………………….……...………………………………4 Analysis of Text Rom. 3:21-24………………………………………………………………..…………….5 Rom. 3:25-26 ......................................................................................................................9 Application. ……………………………………………………………………………...………12 Conclusion. …………………………………………………….....…………………………..…13 Bibliography……………………...…………………………………….…………………...…...14 Appendix A: Block Diagram. ……………………………………………....…………………...16 Introduction “The world is not perfect, and many people are not able to spend the years required to learn Greek properly, even those who have a seminary education.” This exegetical paper will incorporate the use of Greek tools in applying an exegetical method; namely hermeneutics. By comparing three Bible translations; examining the literary context; applying word studies; analyzing historical, grammar, outlining, and theology, coupled with and evaluation of the interpretations of scholars regarding the significance of textual criticism, the exegete will employ the results for correct modern-day application of Romans 3:21-26. The analysis...

Words: 4111 - Pages: 17

Free Essay

Rewanda

...ICTR's Akayesu Verdict SYNOPSIS The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) heard Jean-Paul Akayesu accused of vicious gang rapes and genocide that took the lives of 2,000 Tutsis.  The trial court chamber of three judges, two men and one woman, had an unprecedented opportunity to clarify whether rape during internal armed conflict constitutes genocide as well as a crime against humanity. Nongovernmental organizations worked to "engender" the Tribunal while holding accountable the Hutu leaders who orchestrated genocide.  The critical 1998 verdict influenced states negotiating improved standards for the prosecution of sexual violence and the creation of a permanent International Criminal Court.  "Rape and Genocide in Rwanda" addresses current issues of international law, human rights, women in politics, African Studies, judicial procedure, legal and moral reasoning.  RAPE and Genocide IN RWANDA: The ICTR’s Akayesu Verdict   CASE OUTLINE I. An Unprecedented Opportunity Glossary and Map   II. Prior Responses to Sexual Violence in War A. From “Time Immemorial” to 1948 B. From the 1949 Geneva Conventions to an International Criminal Court   III. Genocide In Rwanda A. A Colonial Legacy of Ethnic Division B. Mass Killing, Rape and the 1994 U.N. Withdrawal   IV. The U.N. Creates a Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda   V. The Trial of Jean-Paul Akayesu Trial Chronology and Key Individuals   VI. Issues for Judgment ...

Words: 10828 - Pages: 44

Premium Essay

The Boy Who Painted Xhrist Black

...The Gay Gene Benjamin C. Bell Jr. Abstract This paper is an expose on one of the prevailing discussions on the gay gene. It has long been debated as to whether or not a person who has embraced has lived gay or lesbian is born that way. The question being is this an act of their own volition or are they born that way. On one side there are those who assert that people are biologically predisposed to such a lifestyle and cannot help but pursue same sex relationships. On the other side there are those who argue it is an issue of will, and one of choice. I believe the current research is inconclusive on both sides. The data is up to date and the results are a testimony to how much ignorance there is about this controversy. As we attempt to understand those whose sexual point of reference we question we must remember that all human beings are the Creator’s offspring and should be treated as such no matter how we feel about their sexual orientation. We must employ respect and reason as we journey down the road to understanding this intriguing subject. People may be different in their sexual expression and it may concern us to no end. The truth of the matter is if their behavior is in our estimation deviant, no matter how wrong we think it is we have a responsibility to treat them in a way that is respectable and proper. People are at liberty to express themselves sexually as they deem it fitting for them. This paper is designed to deliver a biological and scientific perspective...

Words: 10197 - Pages: 41

Premium Essay

Movie and Stories About La

...Kin Faat Chau (Lucas) Professor Gustafson ARLT 101 07/09/2013 Preface Compilation of this extract involved numerous connections of societal development realities whereby tangible sources that supported the document provided critical information, particularly on Los Angeles historical fundamentals. Civilization is the major aspect explored in this study; the supportive materials helped my writing with analogous information that clarified the encompassed perspectives of societal detrimental issues that indicates the need for improvement, as pointed out by Mennell (p. 2). I have to acknowledge these sources for laying a foundation that proved the societal view and responses towards creation of possible change through literacy basics in their perspective community based activities. Social and political class play critical role in shaping people’s life whereby in sometimes they can be destructive rather than constructive in the societies. The view of human nature as a basic reality received in diverse perspectives indicates the need for substantive measures in taking people’s consideration when the moral basics are involved. Formulation of substantial laws to provide governance prospects are areas that many of the authors relied on in this study have proved to require substantive corrections to guide the people who seem to encounter the hardships of accepting others, particularly with the illusive approaches on society well-being. In most cases, as seen in this study,...

Words: 4148 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Cyrus the Great

...critical theory today critical theory today A Us e r - F r i e n d l y G u i d e S E C O N D E D I T I O N L O I S T Y S O N New York London Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business Routledge Taylor & Francis Group 270 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 Routledge Taylor & Francis Group 2 Park Square Milton Park, Abingdon Oxon OX14 4RN © 2006 by Lois Tyson Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, an Informa business Printed in the United States of America on acid‑free paper 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 International Standard Book Number‑10: 0‑415‑97410‑0 (Softcover) 0‑415‑97409‑7 (Hardcover) International Standard Book Number‑13: 978‑0‑415‑97410‑3 (Softcover) 978‑0‑415‑97409‑7 (Hardcover) No part of this book may be reprinted, reproduced, transmitted, or utilized in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publishers. Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. Library of Congress Cataloging‑in‑Publication Data Tyson, Lois, 1950‑ Critical theory today : a user‑friendly guide / Lois Tyson.‑‑ 2nd ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0‑415‑97409‑7 (hb) ‑‑ ISBN 0‑415‑97410‑0 (pb) 1. Criticism...

Words: 221284 - Pages: 886

Free Essay

Ihrm

...M A G A Z I N E FA L L 2 0 0 2 Volume 20 Number 2 SPANNING THE GLOBE Duke Leads the Way in International Law Teaching and Scholarship inside plus Duke admits smaller, exceptionally well-qualified class Duke’s Global Capital Markets Center to launch new Directors’ Education Institute from the dean Dear Alumni and Friends, It is not possible, these days, for a top law school to be anything other than an international one. At Duke Law, we no longer think of “international” as a separate category. Virtually everything we do has some international dimension, whether it concerns international treaties and protocols, commercial transactions across national borders, international child custody disputes, criminal behavior that violates international human rights law, international sports competitions, global environmental regulation, international terrorism, or any number of other topics. And, of course, there is little that we do at Duke that does not involve scholars and students from other countries, who are entirely integrated with U.S. scholars and students. Students enrolled in our joint JD/LLM program in international and comparative law receive an in-depth education in both the public and private aspects of international and comparative law, enriched by the ubiquitous presence of foreign students; likewise, the foreign lawyers who enroll in our one-year LLM program in American law enroll in the same courses, attend the same conferences...

Words: 58370 - Pages: 234

Free Essay

Spanning Globe

...M A G A Z I N E FA L L 2 0 0 2 Volume 20 Number 2 SPANNING THE GLOBE Duke Leads the Way in International Law Teaching and Scholarship inside plus Duke admits smaller, exceptionally well-qualified class Duke’s Global Capital Markets Center to launch new Directors’ Education Institute from the dean Dear Alumni and Friends, It is not possible, these days, for a top law school to be anything other than an international one. At Duke Law, we no longer think of “international” as a separate category. Virtually everything we do has some international dimension, whether it concerns international treaties and protocols, commercial transactions across national borders, international child custody disputes, criminal behavior that violates international human rights law, international sports competitions, global environmental regulation, international terrorism, or any number of other topics. And, of course, there is little that we do at Duke that does not involve scholars and students from other countries, who are entirely integrated with U.S. scholars and students. Students enrolled in our joint JD/LLM program in international and comparative law receive an in-depth education in both the public and private aspects of international and comparative law, enriched by the ubiquitous presence of foreign students; likewise, the foreign lawyers who enroll in our one-year LLM program in American law enroll in the same courses, attend the same conferences...

Words: 58047 - Pages: 233

Free Essay

Imd122

...Publishers Weekly Volume 255 Issue 41 Pages n/a Number of pages 1 Publication year 2008 Publication date Oct 13, 2008 Year 2008 Section Foreword; New Channel Publisher PWxyz, LLC Place of publication New York Country of publication United States Publication subject Publishing And Book Trade, Library And Information Sciences ISSN 00000019 CODEN PWEEAD Source type Trade Journals Language of publication English Document type News ProQuest document ID 197101688 Document URL http://search.proquest.com.ezaccess.library.uitm.edu.my/docview/197101688?accountid=42518 Copyright Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier, Inc. Oct 13, 2008 Last updated 2015-02-23 Database Arts & Humanities Full Text Full Text * TranslateFull text * Turn on search term navigation Craft book publisher Leisure Arts has signed on with Midpoint Trade Books as part of its effort to expand its presence among booksellers. The Midpoint deal,...

Words: 28118 - Pages: 113

Free Essay

Cultural Diplomay

...The Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy Argov Fellows Program in Leadership and Diplomacy Cultural Diplomacy: An Important but Neglected Tool in Promoting Israel’s Public Image Ronit Appel, Assaf Irony, Steven Schmerz, Ayela Ziv May 2008 Table of Contents 1. Introduction and Research Methodology Introduction……………………………………………………………………..3 Research Questions………………………………………………………..……4 Methodology………………………………………………………………..…..5 2. A Definition of Cultural Diplomacy and its Benefits Cultural Diplomacy: A Definition……………………………………….…….7 Benefits of Cultural Diplomacy – In General and Specifically for Israel……………………………………..8 Can the Benefits of Cultural Diplomacy be Measured?.................................................................................17 Examples of the Positive Effects of Cultural Diplomacy Programs…………………………………………18 French-German Relations: A Case Study of Successful Cultural Diplomacy………………………………21 3. Appreciation for Cultural Diplomacy in the United States and Europe The United States of America…………………………………………..……..25 Europe……………………………………………………………………..…..28 4. Cultural Development in Israel Israeli Culture……………………………………………………………….…31 Organizations in Israel Promoting Culture……………………………....……34 Governmental Support of the Promotion of Culture………………………….35 5. The Israeli Government’s Attitude Toward Cultural Diplomacy Does the Israeli Government Value Cultural 1 Diplomacy?.............

Words: 20159 - Pages: 81

Premium Essay

California an Interpretive History - Rawls, James

...CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA An Interpretive History TENTH EDITION James J. Rawls Instructor of History Diablo Valley College Walton Bean Late Professor of History University of California, Berkeley TM TM CALIFORNIA: AN INTERPRETIVE HISTORY, TENTH EDITION Published by McGraw-Hill, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2012 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Previous editions © 2008, 2003, and 1998. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning. Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the United States. This book is printed on acid-free paper. 1234567890 QFR/QFR 10987654321 ISBN: 978-0-07-340696-1 MHID: 0-07-340696-1 Vice President & Editor-in-Chief: Michael Ryan Vice President EDP/Central Publishing Services: Kimberly Meriwether David Publisher: Christopher Freitag Sponsoring Editor: Matthew Busbridge Executive Marketing Manager: Pamela S. Cooper Editorial Coordinator: Nikki Weissman Project Manager: Erin Melloy Design Coordinator: Margarite Reynolds Cover Designer: Carole Lawson Cover Image: Albert Bierstadt, American (born...

Words: 248535 - Pages: 995

Premium Essay

50 Key Concepts in Gender Studies

...50 Key Concepts in Gender Studies Jane Pilcher & Imelda Whelehan Fifty Key Concepts in Gender Studies i Recent volumes include: Key Concepts in Social Research Geoff Payne and Judy Payne Key Concepts in Medical Sociology Jonathan Gabe, Mike Bury and Mary Ann Elston Forthcoming titles include: Key Concepts in Leisure Studies David Harris Key Concepts in Critical Social Theory Nick Crossley Key Concepts in Urban Studies Mark Gottdiener The SAGE Key Concepts series provide students with accessible and authoritative knowledge of the essential topics in a variety of disciplines. Cross-referenced throughout, the format encourages critical evaluation through understanding. Written by experienced and respected academics, the books are indispensable study aids and guides to comprehension. JANE PILCHER AND IMELDA WHELEHAN Fifty Key Concepts in Gender Studies SAGE Publications London • Thousand Oaks • New Delhi iii © Jane Pilcher and Imelda Whelehan 2004 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing from the Publishers. SAGE Publications Ltd 1 Oliver’s Yard 55 City Road London EC1Y 1SP SAGE Publications Inc 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, California 91320 SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd B-42 Panchsheel Enclave Post Box 4109 New Delhi 100 017 British Library...

Words: 86432 - Pages: 346

Premium Essay

Utilitarianism

...Utilitarianism ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● 1. Introduction Utilitarianism is one of the most powerful and persuasive approaches to normative ethics in the history of philosophy. Though not fully articulated until the 19th century, proto-utilitarian positions can be discerned throughout the history of ethical theory. Though there are many varieties of the view discussed, utilitarianism is generally held to be the view that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. There are many ways to spell out this general claim. One thing to note is that the theory is a form of consequentialism: the right action is understood entirely in terms of consequences produced. What distinguishes utilitarianism from egoism has to do with the scope of the relevant consequences. On the utilitarian view one ought to maximize the overall good — that is, consider the good of others as well as one's own good. The Classical Utilitarians, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, identified the good with pleasure, so, like Epicurus, were hedonists about value. They also held that we ought to maximize the good, that is, bring about ‘the greatest amount of good for the greatest number’. Utilitarianism is also distinguished by impartiality and agent-neutrality. Everyone's happiness counts the same. When one maximizes the good, it is the good impartially considered. My good count for no more than anyone else’s good. Further, the reason I have to promote the overall good is the same...

Words: 17864 - Pages: 72