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Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions

What issues are raised by euthanasia?

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Is it wrong to kill?

The absolutist belief that it is always wrong to kill is a deontological position. It may be refined as 'It is always wrong to kill someone who is innocent', to allow killing in self defence or in war. However, if it can be changed in that way, why not make a rule that says 'It is always wrong to kill someone who does not want to die'?

Is killing the same as letting die?

Put another way, what is the difference between acts and omissions? Should the law require us (or doctors) to act a certain way, or merely stop us from acting in certain ways?

What would happen if we legalised euthanasia?

This is a teleological question. Some people campaign constantly, arguing that there are many people suffering greatly who would benefit hugely if euthanasia were legalised. The response given by some is that the number of people who would feel threatened by a law allowing euthanasia is much greater - the elderly, people with disabilities, people who are unwell etc.

Do we have a right to die?

Bentham famously said that all talk of natural rights is "nonsense on stilts". Yet some people claim we have a 'right to die'. Other people say we have a right to dignity, and that euthanasia can provide a dignified, peaceful death rather than a prolonged period of lost dignity and great suffering. Rights are deontological. Some deontologists argue that we have the right to decide what happens to us.

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