Physicians-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Reevaluating the Moral Permissibility of 'Killing' Open Access

Abstract

Abstract
Physicians-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Reevaluating the Moral Permissibility of 'Killing'
By Ana Maria Ramirez
This thesis seeks to provide and alternative perspective of how physicians-assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia can be considered morally permissible as medical practices in the United States. The first two chapters lay the groundwork for the main arguments used against and for PAS and euthanasia. The third and final chapter argues that the morality of PAS and euthanasia must be determined based on three principles: 1) respect of autonomy, 2) physician duty of beneficence, and 3) placing moral weight on the reasons and intended results of an action. According to these principles, PAS and euthanasia are not only morally equivalent but they are just as morally permissible as ‘letting die'. I conclude that with my proposed guidelines for safeguards to prevent abuse of PAS and euthanasia, the two medical practices should be legalized in the United States.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1-6
II. Chapter One: Arguments Against PAS and Euthanasia …………………………………………………………………..7-22
III. Chapter Two: Arguments For PAS and Euthanasia ………………………………………………………………………23-39
IV. Chapter Three: Killing Can Be Morally Permissible ………………………………………………………………………40-57
V. Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..58

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Philosophy
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Philosophy Anthropology, Cultural Religion, Philosophy of
Keyword	physicians-assisted suicide Euthanasia
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Fotion, Nicholas, Emory University
Committee Members	Queen II, Edward L, Emory University Goddard, Robert, Emory University

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