PHIL 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Involuntary Euthanasia, Homicide, Virtue Ethics
28 Jan 2016
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Distinguishing act- from rule-utilitarianism: the greatest good for society. Administering a lethal injection to her, however, would immediately end her pain and prevent future suffering. Her family would grieve for her but would at least find some relief and perhaps peace in knowing that her torture was over. The medical staff would probably also be relived for the same reason. There would, of course, also be possible negative consequences. In administering the lethal injection, her physician would be risking both professional censure and criminal prosecution. If his actions were to become known publicly, people might begin to mistrust physicians who treat severely impaired children, undermining the whole medical profession. Perhaps the physician"s actions would lead to a general devaluing of the lives of disabled or elderly people everywhere. These dire consequences, however, would probably not be very likely if the physician acted discreetly. ".
