Tutorial # 10. Applied Ethics. Euthanasia - Discussion Questions

In light of the readings you have done (especially ‘Active and Passive Euthanasia’ by James Rachel), think about these questions.

• Is there a right to die? Think about the Hippocratic Oath
• What is the difference between passive and active euthanasia?
• Is there a distinction between killing and letting die?
• Does a doctor do really nothing when he lets his patient die?
• In the case of euthanasia, does a causal difference make moral difference? For example, is there a moral difference if the doctor intervenes directly to kill his patient rather than let the patient die himself?
• Is euthanasia a form of suicide?
• Can we ignore the (un)expressed preference of the patient? Think about Million Dollar baby.
• Would that be a homicide?
• What if the patient cannot express his preference?
• What criteria can be set for identifying an incurable ill?
• Why would not be morally preferable to use palliative care instead of euthanasia?
• What are the grounds to decide about life and death?
• What if the dying is not competent about medical care, or his request of euthanasia is not genuinely voluntary? How could we assess this?
• In what sense life is sacred?
• Why prolonging life should be good (or bad)? Under what conditions?
• Is there any preferable alternative to euthanasia?