PHI 2396 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Homicide

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHI 2396
• Professor: Iva Apostolova

Document Summary

Four types of euthanasia, not two: active voluntary, active non-voluntary, passive voluntary, passive non-voluntary. Brock: agrees with rachels in both active and passive voluntary euthanasia the physician plays an active casual role (the physician causes death); passive or active, physician cause both death doesn"t matter how. An important addition: in both cases, the choice and decision lies entirely with the patient. The difference is only psychological and thus, unsubstantiated. Supporters of voluntary euthanasia: the two main values that our society is founded upon, namely, autonomy and individual well-being, are in agreement with the practice of euthanasia. The worry: at the time of decision, the individual may be in a state of mind (e. g. depression) that may interfere with the autonomous and informed nature of such a decision. Potential good consequences of permitting euthanasia: respect the right of autonomy in competent individuals. Potential bad consequences of permitting euthanasia: the trust in physicians will decrease or erode.