Euthanasia and eudaimonia

Shaw, D.M. (2009) Euthanasia and eudaimonia. Journal of Medical Ethics, 35(9), pp. 530-533. (doi: 10.1136/jme.2008.028852)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jme.2008.028852

Abstract

This paper re-evaluates euthanasia and assisted suicide from the perspective of eudaimonia, the ancient Greek conception of happiness across one's whole life. It is argued that one cannot be said to have fully flourished or had a truly happy life if one's death is preceded by a period of unbearable pain or suffering that one cannot avoid without assistance in ending one's life. While death is to be accepted as part of life, it should not be left to nature to dictate the way we die, and it is fundamentally unjust to grant people liberal latitude in how they live their lives while granting them little control over the conclusion of their life narratives. Three objections to this position are considered and rejected; the paper also offers an explanation of why we think killing can be a benefit. Ultimately, euthanasia may be necessary in some cases in order to achieve eudaimonia.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Shaw, Dr David
Authors: Shaw, D.M.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics
R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:Journal of Medical Ethics
Publisher:BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:0306-6800
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2009 BMJ Publishing Group
First Published:First published in Journal of Medical Ethics 35(9):530-533
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher
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