Kantian Ethics
Kantian Ethics The moral topic that I want to talk about is Euthanasia, which refers to intentionally ending a person’s life in order to relieve pain and suffering. I know about it from my parents. They had a trip to Netherlands few months ago and were surprised knowing that it is legal to assist suicide in this country.
According to the article “Ethics of euthanasia – Introduction” in BBC news, a person who undergoes euthanasia usually has an incurable condition; but there are other instances where some people want their life to be ended. To answer the question if euthanasia is moral, first, we have to answer if it can be universalized? There are three countries where allow this, including Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and some states in the United States. But it’s illegal in most of the countries all over the world. Imagine if it is allowed all over the world, it makes people give up easily, not only on their sickness, but also other things in life. Whenever people face difficulties, they may think about suicide as a solution and end their lives. Furthermore, it’s potentially hidden crime such as cover for murder. Therefore it definitely should not be generalized.
Secondly, is that treating people as a mean only? According to Kant ethics, “act so as to treat people always as ends in themselves, never as mere means”. Treating people do include treating “self”. So no one has the right to take his or her even in bad conditions. We must act in ways that do not disrespect ourselves. If a person chooses to die, it’s immoral under Kant’s ethics. Thirdly, does the person deserve moral credits? In this case, under the standpoint of people who assist other people to suicide, for example, in Netherlands, I would say yes, they deserve moral credits. Most of people do not want to assist others suicide, but if it’s legal, it’s their duties to do so. They deserve moral credits.
In my opinion, I do not support this act. I feel it would weaken human’s potential
According to the article “Ethics of euthanasia – Introduction” in BBC news, a person who undergoes euthanasia usually has an incurable condition; but there are other instances where some people want their life to be ended. To answer the question if euthanasia is moral, first, we have to answer if it can be universalized? There are three countries where allow this, including Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and some states in the United States. But it’s illegal in most of the countries all over the world. Imagine if it is allowed all over the world, it makes people give up easily, not only on their sickness, but also other things in life. Whenever people face difficulties, they may think about suicide as a solution and end their lives. Furthermore, it’s potentially hidden crime such as cover for murder. Therefore it definitely should not be generalized.
Secondly, is that treating people as a mean only? According to Kant ethics, “act so as to treat people always as ends in themselves, never as mere means”. Treating people do include treating “self”. So no one has the right to take his or her even in bad conditions. We must act in ways that do not disrespect ourselves. If a person chooses to die, it’s immoral under Kant’s ethics. Thirdly, does the person deserve moral credits? In this case, under the standpoint of people who assist other people to suicide, for example, in Netherlands, I would say yes, they deserve moral credits. Most of people do not want to assist others suicide, but if it’s legal, it’s their duties to do so. They deserve moral credits.
In my opinion, I do not support this act. I feel it would weaken human’s potential