Given the Following Position on Euthanasia (Doctor-Assisted Suicide), Identify Which

question 105

Short Answer

Given the following position on euthanasia (doctor-assisted suicide), identify which of the three major ethical theories discussed in the text-utilitarianism, duty theory, or virtue ethics-it follows. Note that each theory may encompass several possible viewpoints on an issue.
Active euthanasia should be legalized. After all, what are the overall consequences in terms of happiness or unhappiness? Euthanasia may not make the patient who wants to die happy, but at least it can end his or her misery. And although the relatives may feel unhappy at the assisted suicide, they too have suffered, and they will grieve whether the patient dies assisted or unassisted. As a matter of fact, they may grieve less if they know the patient has been spared a substantial amount of suffering.

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Definitions:

Vicarious Liability

A legal principle that holds an individual or entity responsible for the actions of another person, usually within the context of an employment relationship.

Operation of Law

A situation where rights or responsibilities are transferred without the direct action of the parties, often through the effect of legal statutes or regulations.

Lapse of Time

Lapse of time refers to the expiration or running out of an established period, often resulting in the termination of a right or offer due to inaction within the specified timeframe.

Theory of Misrepresentation

A legal concept indicating that an agreement can be annulled if consent was obtained through false statements.