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Florida International University *
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2066
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by Rodriguez.S
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Rodriguez
“Active and Passive Euthanasia” by James Rachels (starting on page 292)
James Rachels explores the ethical nuances surrounding the moral distinction between
active and passive forms of euthanasia. Rachels begins by acknowledging that the conventional
understanding of passive euthanasia, involving the withholding or withdrawal of treatment, is
generally seen as morally permissible. In contrast, active euthanasia, where a doctor takes
affirmative steps to cause a patient's death, is often viewed as morally wrong. This distinction is
typically grounded in the idea that there is a moral difference between "killing" and "letting die."
On page 292 states “mercy killing—is contrary to that for which the medical profession stands.”
To challenge this moral distinction, Rachels presents two hypothetical scenarios. In the
first scenario, a doctor administers a lethal injection to a terminally ill patient, actively ending
their life to alleviate suffering. In the second scenario, a doctor simply withholds treatment from
a patient in a similar condition, allowing them to die naturally. Rachels argues that the common
view would deem the second scenario morally preferable, as it is passive rather than active.
According to Rachels, the distinction between acts of commission and omission does not carry
significant moral weight.
Rachels asserts that the key factors in evaluating the morality of euthanasia should be the
motive behind the action and the overall consequences, rather than the arbitrary distinction
between active and passive actions. By focusing on the intentions and outcomes, Rachels
suggests that a more nuanced and thoughtful ethical analysis can be undertaken. He encourages a
reexamination of our ethical judgments, advocating for a perspective that prioritizes intentions
and consequences rather than relying on superficial categorizations.
Resources
Vaughn, Lewis. Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning, Theory, and Contemporary Issues. Sixth
ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2022.
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