How to argue against active euthanasia

J Appl Philos. 2000;17(2):157-68. doi: 10.1111/1468-5930.00150.

Abstract

Most arguments against active euthanasia, as do most arguments in applied ethics generally, take place within the framework of what can broadly be referred to as a modern, as opposed to an ancient, approach to moral theory. In this paper, I argue that this fact works to the disadvantage of opponents of active euthanasia, and that if there is a successful argument against active euthanasia, it will be of the latter sort. In Part I, I attempt to clarify the distinction between modern and ancient approaches with which I am concerned. In Part II, I attempt to show that any argument against active euthanasia that is of the first sort is bound to fail. In Part III, I propose an argument against active euthanasia of the second sort that I believe has a better chance for success. In Part IV, I consider some objections that can be raised against this argument and attempt to show how they can be overcome.

MeSH terms

  • Ethical Analysis*
  • Ethical Theory*
  • Euthanasia, Active*
  • Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary
  • Humans
  • Morals
  • Public Policy
  • Quality of Life
  • Social Values
  • Value of Life
  • Wedge Argument