PHI 2396 Lecture : James Rachels euthanasia.docx
23 Oct 2012
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James rachels, active and passive euthanasia (reprinted over 300 times since it was first published in 1975. There is not really a distinction between a passive and active euthanasia from a moral point of view. So, if we allow passive euthanasia, we should allow active euthanasia, as well. Rachels: the medical community, as well as society in general, seem to accept passive euthanasia as legally and morally permissible. Passive euthanasia: cessation of treatment which will prolong the life of a seriously ill patient. Some patients (terminally ill, suffer from injuries, congenital defects, and life-threatening medical conditions) suffer intolerable, debilitating pain; They deserve to die with dignity and be relieved of their existence and/or anticipate the inevitable with horror (as in the case of sue rodriguez); Rachels: if we accept passive euthanasia as both legally and morally permissible, then we shouldn"t have problems with active euthanasia, either.
