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What are the personal and/or communal ethical factors that may be involved in determining the moral position of either side in that debate? Next, articulate, and then evaluate the ethical positions using Kantian ethics (categorical imperative) relative to the long-standing debate (euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide). Finally, create a complete annotated bibliography for 5 academic scholarly sources. You will annotate each source. The sources should be relevant to your topic chosen in the week three assignment. Each annotation section should include the following: Summarize key points and identify key terms (using quotation marks and citing a page in parentheses). Describe the controversies or "problems" raised by the articles. State whether you agree or disagree and give reasons. Locate one or two quotations to be used in the final research project. Evaluate the ways in which this article is important and has helped you focus your understanding.
Paper For Above Instructions
Introduction
The debate surrounding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide encompasses various ethical considerations that intertwine personal beliefs and societal values. At the core of the discussion are the personal and communal ethical factors that shape the moral positions of individuals and communities involved. This paper will explore these factors, evaluate them through the lens of Kantian ethics, and culminate in an annotated bibliography featuring five scholarly sources relevant to the topic. Through this exploration, it aims to clarify the complexity of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, presenting a balanced view of the moral landscape that surrounds these practices.
Personal and Communal Ethical Factors
Personal ethical factors regarding euthanasia often stem from individual beliefs about the sanctity of life, autonomy, and suffering. For instance, many individuals may feel a moral imperative to alleviate suffering, believing that assisting someone in ending their pain is a humane act. Communal ethical factors reflect societal norms and values. Communities may hold varying beliefs based on religious, cultural, or philosophical ideologies. For example, religious groups may oppose euthanasia on the basis of the sanctity of life, deeming any form of life termination morally unacceptable (Deak, 2017). Conversely, secular perspectives may argue for the right to die with dignity, emphasizing personal autonomy and the mitigation of suffering (Beaufort & Vathorst, 2016).
Kantian Ethics and Euthanasia
To articulate the ethical positions concerning euthanasia through Kantian ethics, it is essential to understand Kant's categorical imperative, which asserts that individuals should treat others as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end. This concept is critical when evaluating euthanasia. If an individual's suffering is deemed unbearable, and they express a genuine desire to end their life to escape pain, a Kantian perspective would consider whether allowing euthanasia respects that individual's autonomy and rationality. However, Kantian ethics also emphasizes the intrinsic value of life, suggesting that ending a life could contravene moral duty (Rachels & Rachels, 2019).
Therefore, Kant would argue that the choice of euthanasia must be treated with caution, ensuring that the decision to end one’s life is made without coercion and with full understanding of the consequences. This means that mental health must be a critical factor in assessing eligibility for euthanasia, as those with severe mental health issues may not be in a position to make an informed, rational decision regarding their demise (Kim et al., 2016).
Annotated Bibliography
1. Beaufort, I., & Vathorst, S. (2016). Dementia and assisted suicide and euthanasia.
In this article, Beaufort and Vathorst (2016) explore the implications of euthanasia in patients with dementia. They emphasize the importance of early diagnosis for patients to make informed decisions. "The euthanasia cases that were notified and were judged to comply with the due care criteria in the Netherlands... involved persons who found themselves in the early stages of the disease" (Beaufort, 2016). The article raises concerns about cognitive capacity and decision-making ability in patients with dementia. I agree with their premise that only those capable of rational decision-making should consider euthanasia. This source aids in understanding the ethical complexity of assisted suicide for those with cognitive disorders.
2. Deak, C., & Saroglou, V. (2017). Terminating a Child's Life? Religious, Moral, Cognitive, and Emotional Factors Underlying Non-Acceptance of Child Euthanasia.
This article discusses attitudes toward child euthanasia, presenting a significant controversy regarding moral beliefs. "Disapproval was associated with religiousness, collectivistic morality... but not values" (Deak, 2017). The findings suggest that attitudes towards euthanasia vary significantly based on intrinsic beliefs. I concur that stringent criteria and ethical consideration must guide any decision related to euthanasia, particularly concerning minors. This source helps scrutinize the intersection of faith and ethics in the euthanasia debate.
3. Kim, S., Vries, R., & Peteet, J. (2016). Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide of Patients with Psychiatric Disorders in the Netherlands.
The article by Kim et al. (2016) examines the criteria for psychiatric patients seeking assisted suicide. They argue for inclusion based on chronic conditions that impair quality of life. "Although the debate over psychiatric Euthanasia Assisted Suicide typically focuses on persons with treatment-resistant depression" (Kim, 2016). I maintain that mental health considerations must also include comprehensive psychiatric evaluations. The source is invaluable for contextualizing suicidality within mental health and underscores the necessity for compassionate care.
4. Naseh, L., & Heidari, M. (2016). The attitudes of nursing students to euthanasia.
Naseh and Heidari (2016) explore nursing students' attitudes towards euthanasia, highlighting demographic influences. "There was a significant correlation between the nursing students’ attitudes to euthanasia and some demographic characteristics..." (Naseh, 2016). The findings reveal divisions based on religious beliefs. This source helps illustrate how educational environments shape future healthcare providers' ethical perspectives regarding end-of-life decisions.
5. Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy.
Rachels and Rachels (2019) provide a comprehensive overview of moral philosophy, emphasizing Kantian ethics as a framework for assessing euthanasia. They argue that moral actions arise from duty and respect for individuals’ inherent worth. "The only way that moral goodness can exist is for rational creatures to act from a good will" (Rachels, 2019). This text is critical for understanding the ethical underpinnings that guide decisions in euthanasia debates.
Conclusion
The examination of personal and communal ethical factors honors the complexity of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide debates. Through evaluating these factors with Kantian ethics, one appreciates the nuanced interplay between individual autonomy and society's moral obligations. The annotated bibliography presents a foundation for further discussion and provides essential scholarly perspectives to navigate this deeply personal yet community-influenced issue.
References
- Beaufort, I., & Vathorst, S. (2016). Dementia and assisted suicide and euthanasia.
- Deak, C., & Saroglou, V. (2017). Terminating a Child's Life? Religious, Moral, Cognitive, and Emotional Factors Underlying Non-Acceptance of Child Euthanasia.
- Kim, S., Vries, R., & Peteet, J. (2016). Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide of Patients with Psychiatric Disorders in the Netherlands.
- Naseh, L., & Heidari, M. (2016). The attitudes of nursing students to euthanasia.
- Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy.