PHIL226 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Involuntary Euthanasia, Palliative Care, Dementia
3 Aug 2016
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Assisted death = the act of intentionally killing oneself with the assistance of another person (physician supplies, but does not administer, fatal dose of medication) Voluntary euthanasia = the act of one person killing another in accordance with the competently expressed wishes of that person (physician administers fatal dose of medication) Autonomy - the manner of our dying reflects our sense of what is important just as much as do the other central decisions in our lives. Autonomy is properly conditioned and limited by considerations to do with public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. Equality is clearly also a core value in our constitutional order. This will make it impossible to allow ve and as for competent patients without also allowing it for some incompetent patients. Even one instance of involuntary euthanasia would be too high a price to pay.
