In This Module You Have Learned About Utilitarianism And Spe ✓ Solved

In This Module You Have Learned About Utilitarianism And Spent Time T

In this module, you have learned about utilitarianism and spent time thinking about an article written on your applied ethics topic from a utilitarian perspective. In your initial post, you must do the following: Clearly explain the author's position on your topic (euthanasia). This should be formatted like a thesis statement (e.g., Singer believes that it is wrong to ....). Clearly explain the author's reasons in support of this position. Make sure to do so well enough that your classmates who are working on another topic understand the author's argument as well as how it counts as a utilitarian argument. Then, state whether you agree with the author's conclusion and explain why or why not. *Remember, the article you need to read for this discussion forum can be found in 2.2: Applying Utilitarianism and is based on the topic that you've chosen. You should be writing on one of the following articles: Euthanasia: "Voluntary Euthanasia: A Utilitarian Approach" by Peter Singer

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In the article "Voluntary Euthanasia: A Utilitarian Approach," Peter Singer advocates for the moral permissibility of voluntary euthanasia from a utilitarian perspective. Singer's thesis is that euthanasia can be ethically justified when it results in the greatest happiness and relief of suffering for all affected parties. He argues that in certain cases, permitting individuals to choose death to escape unbearable suffering aligns with utilitarian principles, which prioritize maximizing overall well-being (Singer, 1993).

Singer's argument is rooted in the fundamental utilitarian principle that actions are morally right if they produce the greatest happiness and least suffering. He emphasizes that the central concern should be the alleviation of pain and suffering for individuals experiencing terminal or intolerable conditions. Singer discusses how societal and legal restrictions against euthanasia often result in prolonged suffering, thereby decreasing overall happiness and well-being (Singer, 1993). Consequently, he contends that allowing voluntary euthanasia can increase net happiness by respecting individuals' autonomy and ending unnecessary suffering.

Furthermore, Singer considers objections related to potential abuses and moral slippery slopes. He admits that safeguards are necessary to prevent misuse but argues that these concerns should not prevent the recognition of euthanasia's moral permissibility in appropriate cases. From a utilitarian standpoint, the benefits of reducing suffering outweigh the risks associated with potential abuses, especially if strict regulations are implemented to ensure euthanasia is conducted ethically (Singer, 1995). This focus on balancing benefits and harms exemplifies utilitarian reasoning, emphasizing empirical evidence and the overall consequences of actions rather than rigid moral rules.

I agree with Singer's conclusion that voluntary euthanasia can be ethically justified within a utilitarian framework, particularly when it effectively alleviates intolerable suffering. I believe that respecting individual autonomy and prioritizing overall well-being are vital considerations in medical ethics. However, I also acknowledge the importance of safeguards to prevent misuse and ensure that euthanasia decisions are made carefully and ethically. Overall, Singer’s utilitarian approach offers a compassionate and pragmatic perspective on euthanasia, emphasizing the importance of reducing suffering and promoting happiness as central moral goals.

References

• Singer, P. (1993). Voluntary Euthanasia: A Utilitarian Approach. In R. T. White & S. N. Kirsch (Eds.), Applied Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Singer, P. (1995). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Arras, J. (2003). Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide. The New England Journal of Medicine, 349(25), 1997-2000.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Schaefer, G. O. (2004). The Ethics of Euthanasia. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 170(4), 491-492.
• Mitchell, R. (2012). Euthanasia and the Law. Journal of Medical Ethics, 38(3), 134-138.
• Davis, P. (2008). Understanding Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide. Bioethics, 22(3), 138-145.
• Resnik, D. B. (2015). Regulation of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. Springer.
• Savulescu, J., & Klug, C. (2015). Euthanasia and the Right to Die. Bioethics, 29(2), 93-99.