Differing Ethical Theories on Euthanasia

Differing Ethical Theories on Euthanasia

Is Euthanasia morally or ethically, right? The moral and ethical controversies that g have corresponded to this debate leave the resolution to the chance that the individual perspective will prove to be the most convincing. Euthanasia refers to a choice that is made by or for people that are suffering from fatal diseases. There are two paths when it comes to this decision; passively letting one die or actively administering doses that kill the patient. Either way,ethical issues that are attached to Euthanasia are far from a nondescript approval when it comes to the consideration of ethics, human rights,spirituality, and many other factors. Subsequently, there is a development of ethical theories that try to explain the concept. In this context, there are different ideas that are discussed in the utilitarianism theory versus the deontological theory.

From the perspective of the utilitarianism theory, an action is only right if it increases the broader perspective of acceptance of good. The approach supports the increase in wellbeing and goodness of life. Therefore, if an action is done according to a moral rule that that puts emphasis on the good from where it is acted from, it means that it is both ethically and morally right. From this point of view, Euthanasia can be examined as a moral rule that either increases or decreases the overall good when acted upon, which then categorizes it as being ethical or not. It is the primary goal of Euthanasia that the patient’s pain is relieved thus the individual is allowed to transcendinto rest instead of waiting upon a horrid death that is preceded by agonizing memories. Consequently, utilitarianism argues that Euthanasia is done from an ethical motive that helps the client be free of their pain.

On the other hand, the deontological theory spheres a contrasting argument. According todeontological theories, an act cannot be exclusively be determined as being ethically correct based on the consequences that are deemed as right or wrong. There cannot be a justification of actions because they produce morally correct results. An activity is measured as ethical if its source is the goodwill of an individual and the ethical principle upon which the individual undertakes the responsibility. Subsequently, deontological theories draw towards the categorization of Euthanasia as unethical and harmful. That is, it originates from the act of taking away human life and there is no justification of the action even when  it brings an end to pain. The theory is firmly against the idea that the end justifies the means. Alternatively, the theories argue that Euthanasia is not applicable as right because not all human beings are in the position to make rational decisions. Euthanasia is harmful as it goes against the non-maleficence of people..

There is a differing of ideas that are discussed in the utilitarianism theory versus the deontological theory. Subsequently, on the one hand, lies the justification of Euthanasia as ethical by utilitarianism, but on the other hangs the balance of unethical explanations presented by deontological theories.Furthermore, each approach is an exemplification and identification of the reasons for Euthanasia and against it. An autonomy of decisions applies to all spheres of life, thus making the debate against and for Euthanasia mostly dependent on the respective acceptance of explanation of one ethical theory over the other.