Euthanasia Abstract
Caitlin Kennedy
Research Paper Abstract
In my research paper, I will be discussing the question: should euthanasia by legalized? I will advocate for its legalization and provide substantial evidence to support my standpoint. I will also mention at least one argument from the opposition in hopes to avoid bias. In terms of the law, euthanasia, or assisted suicide, ought to be equated with homicide. Homicide is defined by the killing of one human being by another human being, and is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. It is considered one of the most morally reprehensible crimes a person can commit. Yet voluntary euthanasia, or assisted suicide, is only punishable by a maximum of 14 years in prison. In this paper, I will elucidate on the dissimilarity in sentencing, and my endorsement of it.
Ethically, euthanasia is a different matter all together. The examination of this controversial issue has been popular in applied ethics, even more so after Jack Kevorkian and his involvement in at least 130 assisted suicides. Euthanasia is defined as the termination of ill, typically terminal individuals with the intent to relieve them of their suffering.
The key point I will discuss extensively is Immanuel Kant’s idea that only those ethical principles that could be accepted as a universal rule should be accepted. Basically, the idea is that giving everyone a good death through euthanasia is the only way it will be accepted universally and morally. I will also touch on human rights, a person’s ‘right’ to die; and the beneficence aspect of euthanasia that led to it being coined as a mercy killing. Euthanasia is an ideal issue to examine for my research paper. It is a controversial issue that questions how morally obligated and invested our society should be with death.
Research Paper Abstract
In my research paper, I will be discussing the question: should euthanasia by legalized? I will advocate for its legalization and provide substantial evidence to support my standpoint. I will also mention at least one argument from the opposition in hopes to avoid bias. In terms of the law, euthanasia, or assisted suicide, ought to be equated with homicide. Homicide is defined by the killing of one human being by another human being, and is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. It is considered one of the most morally reprehensible crimes a person can commit. Yet voluntary euthanasia, or assisted suicide, is only punishable by a maximum of 14 years in prison. In this paper, I will elucidate on the dissimilarity in sentencing, and my endorsement of it.
Ethically, euthanasia is a different matter all together. The examination of this controversial issue has been popular in applied ethics, even more so after Jack Kevorkian and his involvement in at least 130 assisted suicides. Euthanasia is defined as the termination of ill, typically terminal individuals with the intent to relieve them of their suffering.
The key point I will discuss extensively is Immanuel Kant’s idea that only those ethical principles that could be accepted as a universal rule should be accepted. Basically, the idea is that giving everyone a good death through euthanasia is the only way it will be accepted universally and morally. I will also touch on human rights, a person’s ‘right’ to die; and the beneficence aspect of euthanasia that led to it being coined as a mercy killing. Euthanasia is an ideal issue to examine for my research paper. It is a controversial issue that questions how morally obligated and invested our society should be with death.