56). This refers the fact that the AMA "…allows the withdrawal of what it calls extraordinary means of preserving life" (Sullivan, 1977, p. 56). Ordinary means refers to " & #8230;All medicines, treatments and operations which would offer a reasonable hope of benefit for the patient ands which can be obtained and used without excessive expense, pain and other inconveniences" (Sullivan, 1977, p. 57). Extraordinary means refers to "… all those medicines, treatments, and operations which cannot be obtained without excessive expense, pain, or other inconveniences, or which, if used, would not coffer a reasonable hope of benefit" (Sullivan, 1977, p. 57).
The implied intention is therefore to do as much as possible ensure the continuation of life without promoting suffering in the face of a hopeless situation.
If we take this point into account then the intention of the AMA document becomes clear and the views that Rachels suggest seem to be somewhat one-sided. As Sullivan states, Rachel tends to ignore a distinction that the AMA document does in fact make, which is crucial to the interpretation of this document.
A number of critics have also referred to the central issue of the difference between causality and moral culpability and the view of "letting nature take its course. Kuhse and Singer refer to this aspect in relation to the ethical significance of this view. This also addresses the question of the difference between being letting a patient die and actively being involved in killing the patient. Kuhse and Singer question the 'philosophical naivety' of these views. This can also be related to the above argument in that while semantics and logic can ne used to differentiate between active and passive euthanasia, yet the intentionality behind these actions and decisions is the true moral determinant. .
Interestingly, Daniel Callahan ( 1992) places this debate into the larger and more inclusive context of changes and developments in Western thought. He is concerned that the acceptance...
Euthanasia Debate Euthanasia is the practice of voluntarily ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering (Euthanasia.com/definitions). The act of euthanasia differs from the act of murder in that the person who will die makes the decision to end their life. In the case of murder, the person does not wish to end their life, but anther person intervenes to bring about their death against their wishes. Euthanasia is
The findings reveal that the pain is unbearable yet the patients tend to become immune from it, or at least surrender to it. The purpose of this article as it relates to the topic of euthanasia is that one popular argument for the legalization of euthanasia is that it is inhumane to let a patient suffer. This study attempts to validate this argument by showing what exactly the patient
Euthanasia has long been considered a compelling issue based on religious beliefs for which there are serious legal and ethical consequences. Those who support Euthanasia argue that it is the only viable solution for many people who do not desire to end their lives in a miserable fashion. They believe that terminating life by choice is the best possible resolution. On the other hand, many individuals believe that Euthanasia is
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Euthanasia There can be little doubt that most humans cherish life to the extent that they would choose immortality in a heartbeat, if that option was ever made available. However, while this observation may undoubtedly be true, there is an unstated qualification. And, that is, that humans will choose life only as long as it is imbued with dignity and vitality. In fact, the importance of this qualification is reflected in
As palliative care specialist Dr. Gilbert puts it, "Despite this close involvement with the very patients for whom euthanasia is advocated we do not encounter any persistent rational demand" [Southern Cross Bioethics Institute]. The very point of 'Advanced Directives' is in itself confounding issue as frequently it is the patient's imaginary fears about loss of body functions and pain that drives them to such conclusions. So it is cleanly obvious
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