Killing and Letting Die: An Ethical Way Out

INTRODUCTION

This chapter will focus on analysing the concept of euthanasia and emphasis will be laid on it types as well as the arguments in support and against euthanasia. Euthanasia has been an aging debate among elites both the ancients and the contemporary thinkers. Euthanasia is a problem to the ethicist in the field of philosophy as well as medical practitioners. The philosophers have raised questions such as is killing or allowing someone to die right? On what basis can we allow someone to die? and is euthanasia truly the best way to end a life? Euthanasia is one of the most actively researched and debated subjects in modern ethics. It also appears as one of the points where the two major religions (Christianity and Islam) have a shared view. These two religions are strongly against legalizing euthanasia. Active euthanasia is seen as inducing the death of a person who is undergoing intense suffering, and who has no practical hope of recovery. Active euthanasia is often referred to as ‘mercy killing.’ Though killing can come in any form or manner, the scriptures emphasis that” thou shalt not kill” (ex.20:13) and as commanded by God in the Bible.

Some people argue that there are many people suffering greatly who would benefit hugely if euthanasia were legalized, while some argue that greater number of elderly people, the disabilities people would suffer more if euthanasia were legalized. Thus, the debate on legalising euthanasia and physician assisted suicide has a broad range of participants including experts in health, law, physicians, expert in ethics, politicians and the general public