Les 1 Euthanasia

• Levensbeschouwing
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Euthanasia 

A5tto

2022-2023

Musing along the border

What objections to dualism and materialism does Mary Midgley has?

Objectives

You will... 

• know the concept op euthanasia
• know the law on euthanasia (Wet op levenseinde)
• evaluate the question: "Is it dignified and/or okay to choose one's own death?"
• link dualism/materialism to euthanasia

What is euthanasia?

What is euthanasia?

• Euthanasia (Greek: εὖ (eu) = "good" and θάνατος (thanatos) = "death")
• good / mild death / merciful death: refers to actions that promote dying without much suffering of another person.
• Must ALWAYS be performed by a doctor
• Can be done from the age of 12 
• There are different ways of euthanasia

What is not covered by euthanasia?

What is not covered by euthanasia?

• stop medical treatment
• administering sleeping pills
• eating and drinking
• suicide

What things should be considered according Dutch law? (zorgvuldigheidseisen)

Dutch law: Zorgvuldigheidseisen

1. voluntary and well thought-out
2. Prospective and unbearable suffering
3. 3. Informing about the situation and prospects
4. No reasonable other solution
5. Consult independent doctor
6. Medically diligent execution

What are good reasons to commit euthanasia?

Religious perspectives on euthanasia

Christians:

• in favor: autonomy (Jospeh Fletcher/situation ethics)
• con: biblical

Judaism / Islam: con: God decides

Humanism:

• autonomy (freedom of choice) 

Utilitarianism, Duty and virtue ethics

Utilitarianism (Doel ethiek):

Hedonism; avoiding pain. ondergaan in genot en vermijden 

Duty ethics (plicht ethiek):

morally wrong (Kant)

Virtue ethics (Deugdethiek):

Life on earth should be respected.

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Are psychiatric patients capable of deciding to have euthanasia?

1. yes
2. no

Euthanasia of the demented should be banned?

1. Yes
2. No

Does a prisoner have the right to euthanasia?

If the family disagrees, should euthanasia not be performed?

Is it dignified (menswaardig) if people are not allowed to choose themself for euthanasia?

How can dualism/materialism be linked to euthanasia?

I understand Dutch law on euthanasia

😒🙁😐🙂😃

Homework

To do:

• read the text musing along the border
• note what strikes out for you
• note arguments pro/con 
• Do you think the zorvuldigheideisen (due diligence) where met in the case of Siep Pietersma?