Ideas from 'Against Euthanasia' by Yale Kamisar [1958], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Ethics for Modern Life' (ed/tr Abelson,R./Friquegnon,M) [St Martin's 1987,0-312-26602-2]].

green numbers give full details    |     back to texts     |     unexpand these ideas

---

25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 2. Euthanasia

4051	People will volunteer for euthanasia because they think other people want them dead

			Full Idea: In the process of voluntary euthanasia we will sweep up some who are not really tired of life, but think others are tired of them.
			From: Yale Kamisar (Against Euthanasia [1958], p.78)
			A reaction: We could permit such choices. Or set up systems to eliminate such cases.

4050	We only allow voluntary euthanasia to someone who is both sane and crazed by pain

			Full Idea: It seems that voluntary euthanasia can only be carried out by someone who is both sane, and crazed by pain.
			From: Yale Kamisar (Against Euthanasia [1958], p.77)
			A reaction: A fair point, despite its obvious exaggeration. How much pain must someone experience before we permit them to choose euthanasia?