A philosophical case against euthanasia

Finnis, John

doi:10.1017/cbo9780511663444.004

Cited by 33 publications

(21 citation statements)

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“…However, choosing to kill or be killed gives witness to the idea that under certain conditions and circumstances, life ceases to have intrinsic value and dignity and that when this is the case, the world would be a better place if such people were dead. 28 This has grave implications for the way in which society values the life of other vulnerable people.…”

Section: Evangelium Vitae and Freedommentioning

confidence: 99%

The Way of Suicide, Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, or Evangelium Vitae's Way of Mercy and Compassion?

Vout¹

2003

Linacre Q

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Section: Evangelium Vitae and Freedommentioning

confidence: 99%

The Way of Suicide, Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, or Evangelium Vitae's Way of Mercy and Compassion?

Vout¹

2003

Linacre Q

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“…The PDE represents an essential part of Roman Catholic moral theology and its philosophical roots are found in the works of Thomas von Aquin. As already mentioned, this principle states an intention-side-effect distinction, which means that the intended results of an action are distinguished from foreseen, but unintended consequences of that same conduct (Finnis 1995). In detail, the following conditions have to be fulfilled to consider an action with a double effect to be permitted: (1) the action itself must be morally called for, or at least permissible;…”

Section: The Principle Of Double Effect and Its Application In Clinicmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The justification for this differentiation focuses on the principle of double effect (PDE) (ABIM End-of-Life Patient care Project Committee 1996; Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, American Medical Association 1992). According to this principle, the intended results of an action are to be distinguished from foreseen, but unintended consequences of that same conduct (Finnis 1995).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The PDE-based justification carries grave problems and lets one suspect fundamental difficulties: because ''killing the aggressor'' must not be intended, nor be means to an end, the action as a whole has to be described as ''self-defence'' with the attributed intention ''to save one's own life''( Finnis 1995). Even if this case can be saved this way, this interpretation certainly allows too much, as any killing can be thought to be led by a ''good'' intention making the corresponding action therefore uncompromising.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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The principle of double-effect in a clinical context

Dziewas

Kellinghaus

Sörös

2003

Poiesis & Praxis: International Journal of Technology Asses

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Whereas indirect euthanasia is a common clinical practice, active euthanasia remains forbidden in most countries. The reason for this differentiation is usually seen in the principle of double-effect (PDE). PDE states that there is a morally relevant difference between the intended consequences of an action and merely foreseen, unintended side-effects. This article discloses the fundamental assumptions presenting the basis for this application of the PDE and examines whether these assumptions are compatible with the PDE. It is shown that neither a liberal nor a utilitarian point of view makes the utilization of the PDE possible. In accordance with philosophical tradition, only within the doctrine of the sanctity of life does the PDE seem to be applicable. By analysing the premises of this doctrine, and comparing them with those of the PDE, the inconsistency of this idea is demonstrated. It is suggested that the role of the PDE in the current discussion on euthanasia is largely exaggerated.

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“…However, they do argue that to be acceptable, such non-provision must fulfil two conditions that rule out involuntary euthanasia in practice. 6 7…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%