Single Idea 4683

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 2. Euthanasia]

Full Idea

Involuntary euthanasia can normally be ruled out, because it falls foul of the autonomy objection, and it is likely to have appalling side-effects.

Gist of Idea

Involuntary euthanasia is wrong because it violates autonomy, and it has appalling side-effects

Source

Jonathan Glover (Causing Death and Saving Lives [1977], §15.1)

Book Reference

Glover,Jonathan: 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' [Penguin 1982], p.191


A Reaction

The only defence of it is if the prospects are utterly horrible and the subject cannot grasp them. However, is this true of children or the very old. Paternalism may be appropriate, if the decider has reliably depressing knowledge?