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

Ramirez, Ana Maria (2011)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/rx913q17q?locale=pt-BR
Published

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

Rights statement
  • Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.
School
Department
Degree
Submission
Language
  • English
Research Field
Palavra-chave
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor
Committee Members
Última modificação

Primary PDF

Supplemental Files