Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy

Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy

Author: John Keown

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2002-04-25

Total Pages: 342

ISBN-13: 9780521009331

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Whether the law should permit voluntary euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is one of the most vital questions facing all modern societies. Internationally, the main obstacle to legalisation has proved to be the objection that, even if they were morally acceptable in certain 'hard cases', voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide could not be effectively controlled; society would slide down a 'slippery slope' to the killing of patients who did not make a free and informed request, or for whom palliative care would have offered an alternative. How cogent is this objection? This book provides the general reader (who need have no expertise in philosophy, law or medicine) with a lucid introduction to this central question in the debate, not least by reviewing the Dutch euthanasia experience. It will interest all in any country whether currently for or against legalisation, who wish to ensure that their opinions are better informed.


Book Synopsis Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy by : John Keown

Download or read book Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy written by John Keown and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2002-04-25 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whether the law should permit voluntary euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is one of the most vital questions facing all modern societies. Internationally, the main obstacle to legalisation has proved to be the objection that, even if they were morally acceptable in certain 'hard cases', voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide could not be effectively controlled; society would slide down a 'slippery slope' to the killing of patients who did not make a free and informed request, or for whom palliative care would have offered an alternative. How cogent is this objection? This book provides the general reader (who need have no expertise in philosophy, law or medicine) with a lucid introduction to this central question in the debate, not least by reviewing the Dutch euthanasia experience. It will interest all in any country whether currently for or against legalisation, who wish to ensure that their opinions are better informed.

Last Rights?

Last Rights?

Author: Michael M. Uhlmann

Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 696

ISBN-13:

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This rich and comprehensive anthology of primary sources is the essential reference work for anyone interested in understanding the arguments--moral, theological, medical, and legal-- on both sides of the assisted suicide and euthanasia debate.


Book Synopsis Last Rights? by : Michael M. Uhlmann

Download or read book Last Rights? written by Michael M. Uhlmann and published by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. This book was released on 1998 with total page 696 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This rich and comprehensive anthology of primary sources is the essential reference work for anyone interested in understanding the arguments--moral, theological, medical, and legal-- on both sides of the assisted suicide and euthanasia debate.

Euthanasia and the Ethics of a Doctor’s Decisions

Euthanasia and the Ethics of a Doctor’s Decisions

Author: Ole Hartling

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2021-03-25

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 1350186236

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Why do so many doctors have profound misgivings about the push to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide? Ole Hartling uses his background as a physician, university professor and former chairman of the Danish Council of Ethics to introduce new elements into what can often be understood as an all too simple debate. Alive to the case that assisted dying can be driven by an unattainable yearning for control, Hartling concentrates on two fundamental questions: whether the answer to suffering is to remove the sufferer, and whether self-determination in dying and death is an illusion. He draws on his own experience as a medical doctor to personalize the ethical arguments, share patients' narratives and make references to medical literature. Here is a sceptical stance towards euthanasia, one that is respectful to those who hold different opinions and well-informed about the details and nuances of different euthanasia practices. Written from a Scandinavian perspective, where respect for autonomy and high quality palliative care go hand in hand, Hartling's is a nuanced, valuable contribution to the arguments that surround a question doctors have faced since the birth of medicine. He shows us how the intentions of doing something good can sometimes lead to even greater dilemmas, opening us up to those situations where an inclination to end suffering by ending life is deeply conflicting both for the clinician and for any fellow human being.


Book Synopsis Euthanasia and the Ethics of a Doctor’s Decisions by : Ole Hartling

Download or read book Euthanasia and the Ethics of a Doctor’s Decisions written by Ole Hartling and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2021-03-25 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why do so many doctors have profound misgivings about the push to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide? Ole Hartling uses his background as a physician, university professor and former chairman of the Danish Council of Ethics to introduce new elements into what can often be understood as an all too simple debate. Alive to the case that assisted dying can be driven by an unattainable yearning for control, Hartling concentrates on two fundamental questions: whether the answer to suffering is to remove the sufferer, and whether self-determination in dying and death is an illusion. He draws on his own experience as a medical doctor to personalize the ethical arguments, share patients' narratives and make references to medical literature. Here is a sceptical stance towards euthanasia, one that is respectful to those who hold different opinions and well-informed about the details and nuances of different euthanasia practices. Written from a Scandinavian perspective, where respect for autonomy and high quality palliative care go hand in hand, Hartling's is a nuanced, valuable contribution to the arguments that surround a question doctors have faced since the birth of medicine. He shows us how the intentions of doing something good can sometimes lead to even greater dilemmas, opening us up to those situations where an inclination to end suffering by ending life is deeply conflicting both for the clinician and for any fellow human being.

Euthanasia in the Netherlands

Euthanasia in the Netherlands

Author: R. Cohen-Almagor

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-04-08

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 1402022514

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The Dutch experience has influenced the debate on euthanasia and death with dignity around the globe, especially with regard to whether physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia should be legitimized or legalized. A review of the literature reveals complex and often contradictory views about the Dutch experience. Some claim that the Netherlands offers a model for the world to follow; others believe that the Netherlands represents danger, rather than promise, and that the Dutch experience is the definitive answer regarding why we should not make active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide part of our lives. Given these contradictory views, it has become clear that fieldwork is essential to developing a more informed opinion. Having investigated the Dutch experience for a number of years, and after thoroughly reading the vast literature published in English, I went to the Netherlands for one month in the summer of 1999 to get a feel for the local situation. I felt that this would provide the basis on which I could better interpret the findings of the available literature. I visited the major centers of medical ethics, as well as some research hospitals, and spoke with leading figures in the euthanasia policy and practice. The time spent was extremely beneficial and enriching. I followed in the footsteps of Carlos Gomez, who 1 published a book following one month of extensive research in the Netherlands.


Book Synopsis Euthanasia in the Netherlands by : R. Cohen-Almagor

Download or read book Euthanasia in the Netherlands written by R. Cohen-Almagor and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-04-08 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Dutch experience has influenced the debate on euthanasia and death with dignity around the globe, especially with regard to whether physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia should be legitimized or legalized. A review of the literature reveals complex and often contradictory views about the Dutch experience. Some claim that the Netherlands offers a model for the world to follow; others believe that the Netherlands represents danger, rather than promise, and that the Dutch experience is the definitive answer regarding why we should not make active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide part of our lives. Given these contradictory views, it has become clear that fieldwork is essential to developing a more informed opinion. Having investigated the Dutch experience for a number of years, and after thoroughly reading the vast literature published in English, I went to the Netherlands for one month in the summer of 1999 to get a feel for the local situation. I felt that this would provide the basis on which I could better interpret the findings of the available literature. I visited the major centers of medical ethics, as well as some research hospitals, and spoke with leading figures in the euthanasia policy and practice. The time spent was extremely beneficial and enriching. I followed in the footsteps of Carlos Gomez, who 1 published a book following one month of extensive research in the Netherlands.

The Future of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

The Future of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

Author: Neil M. Gorsuch

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2009-04-12

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 0691140979

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After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments for assisted suicide and euthanasia, Gorsuch builds a nuanced, novel, and powerful moral and legal argument against legalization, one based on a principle that, surprisingly, has largely been overlooked in the debate; the idea that human life is intrinsically valuable and that intentional killing is always wrong. At the same time, the argument Gorsuch develops leaves wide latitude for individual patient autonomy and the refusal of unwanted medical treatment and life-sustaining care, permitting intervention only in cases where an intention to kill is present.


Book Synopsis The Future of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia by : Neil M. Gorsuch

Download or read book The Future of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia written by Neil M. Gorsuch and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2009-04-12 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments for assisted suicide and euthanasia, Gorsuch builds a nuanced, novel, and powerful moral and legal argument against legalization, one based on a principle that, surprisingly, has largely been overlooked in the debate; the idea that human life is intrinsically valuable and that intentional killing is always wrong. At the same time, the argument Gorsuch develops leaves wide latitude for individual patient autonomy and the refusal of unwanted medical treatment and life-sustaining care, permitting intervention only in cases where an intention to kill is present.

Hobbesian Applied Ethics and Public Policy

Hobbesian Applied Ethics and Public Policy

Author: Shane D. Courtland

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-07-20

Total Pages: 298

ISBN-13: 1315534398

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Most philosophers and political scientists readily admit that Thomas Hobbes is a significant figure in the history of political thought. His theory was, arguably, one of the first to provide a justification for political legitimacy from the perspective of each individual subject. Many excellent books and articles have examined the justification and structure of Hobbes’ commonwealth, ethical system, and interpretation of Christianity. What is troubling is that the Hobbesian project has been largely missing in the applied ethics and public policy literature. We often find applications of Kantian deontology, Bentham’s or Mill’s utilitarianism, Rawls’s contractualism, the ethics of care, and various iterations of virtue ethics. Hobbesian accounts are routinely ignored and often derided. This is unfortunate because Hobbes’s project offers a unique perspective. To ignore it, when such a perspective would be fruitful to apply to another set of theoretical questions, is a problem in need of a remedy. This volume seeks to eliminate (or, at the very least, partially fill) this gap in the literature. Not only will this volume appeal to those that are generally familiar with Hobbesian scholarship, it will also appeal to a variety of readers that are largely unfamiliar with Hobbes.


Book Synopsis Hobbesian Applied Ethics and Public Policy by : Shane D. Courtland

Download or read book Hobbesian Applied Ethics and Public Policy written by Shane D. Courtland and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-07-20 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most philosophers and political scientists readily admit that Thomas Hobbes is a significant figure in the history of political thought. His theory was, arguably, one of the first to provide a justification for political legitimacy from the perspective of each individual subject. Many excellent books and articles have examined the justification and structure of Hobbes’ commonwealth, ethical system, and interpretation of Christianity. What is troubling is that the Hobbesian project has been largely missing in the applied ethics and public policy literature. We often find applications of Kantian deontology, Bentham’s or Mill’s utilitarianism, Rawls’s contractualism, the ethics of care, and various iterations of virtue ethics. Hobbesian accounts are routinely ignored and often derided. This is unfortunate because Hobbes’s project offers a unique perspective. To ignore it, when such a perspective would be fruitful to apply to another set of theoretical questions, is a problem in need of a remedy. This volume seeks to eliminate (or, at the very least, partially fill) this gap in the literature. Not only will this volume appeal to those that are generally familiar with Hobbesian scholarship, it will also appeal to a variety of readers that are largely unfamiliar with Hobbes.

Intending Death

Intending Death

Author: Tom L. Beauchamp

Publisher: Pearson

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13:

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At the cutting-edge of one of the most sensitive contemporary controversies, this anthology presents the most current thinking of experts in the field of the ethics of assisted suicide and euthanasia--exploring point blank issues that law and public policy have often skirted or wished away. Explores issues from three perspectives--philosophical, clinical and political, legal and economic.


Book Synopsis Intending Death by : Tom L. Beauchamp

Download or read book Intending Death written by Tom L. Beauchamp and published by Pearson. This book was released on 1996 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At the cutting-edge of one of the most sensitive contemporary controversies, this anthology presents the most current thinking of experts in the field of the ethics of assisted suicide and euthanasia--exploring point blank issues that law and public policy have often skirted or wished away. Explores issues from three perspectives--philosophical, clinical and political, legal and economic.

Ethics and Public Policy

Ethics and Public Policy

Author: Jonathan Wolff

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-01-11

Total Pages: 239

ISBN-13: 1136721789

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Ethics and Public Policy:€A Philosophical Inquiry€is the first book to subject important and controversial areas of public policy, such as drugs, health and€gambling€to philosophical scrutiny.


Book Synopsis Ethics and Public Policy by : Jonathan Wolff

Download or read book Ethics and Public Policy written by Jonathan Wolff and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-01-11 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ethics and Public Policy:€A Philosophical Inquiry€is the first book to subject important and controversial areas of public policy, such as drugs, health and€gambling€to philosophical scrutiny.

Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Author: David Albert Jones

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-09-21

Total Pages: 379

ISBN-13: 1107198860

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In this book, a global panel of experts considers the international implications of legalised euthanasia based on experiences from Belgium.


Book Synopsis Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide by : David Albert Jones

Download or read book Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide written by David Albert Jones and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-09-21 with total page 379 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book, a global panel of experts considers the international implications of legalised euthanasia based on experiences from Belgium.

Debating Euthanasia

Debating Euthanasia

Author: Emily Jackson

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2011-12-02

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1847317715

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In this new addition to the 'Debating Law' series, Emily Jackson and John Keown re-examine the legal and ethical aspects of the euthanasia debate. Emily Jackson argues that we owe it to everyone in society to do all that we can to ensure that they experience a 'good death'. For a small minority of patients who experience intolerable and unrelievable suffering, this may mean helping them to have an assisted death. In a liberal society, where people's moral views differ, we should not force individuals to experience deaths they find intolerable. This is not an argument in favour of dying. On the contrary, Jackson argues that legalisation could extend and enhance the lives of people whose present fear of the dying process causes them overwhelming distress. John Keown argues that voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are gravely unethical and he defends their continued prohibition by law. He analyses the main arguments for relaxation of the law - including those which invoke the experience of jurisdictions which permit these practices - and finds them wanting. Relaxing the law would, he concludes, be both wrong in principle and dangerous in practice, not least for the dying, the disabled and the disadvantaged.


Book Synopsis Debating Euthanasia by : Emily Jackson

Download or read book Debating Euthanasia written by Emily Jackson and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2011-12-02 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this new addition to the 'Debating Law' series, Emily Jackson and John Keown re-examine the legal and ethical aspects of the euthanasia debate. Emily Jackson argues that we owe it to everyone in society to do all that we can to ensure that they experience a 'good death'. For a small minority of patients who experience intolerable and unrelievable suffering, this may mean helping them to have an assisted death. In a liberal society, where people's moral views differ, we should not force individuals to experience deaths they find intolerable. This is not an argument in favour of dying. On the contrary, Jackson argues that legalisation could extend and enhance the lives of people whose present fear of the dying process causes them overwhelming distress. John Keown argues that voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are gravely unethical and he defends their continued prohibition by law. He analyses the main arguments for relaxation of the law - including those which invoke the experience of jurisdictions which permit these practices - and finds them wanting. Relaxing the law would, he concludes, be both wrong in principle and dangerous in practice, not least for the dying, the disabled and the disadvantaged.