back to idea for this text


Single Idea 4053

[from 'No Moral Difference' by James Rachels, in 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 2. Euthanasia ]

Full Idea

The cause of death (injection or disease) is important from the legal point of view, but not morally. If euthanasia is desirable in a given case then the patient's death is not an evil, so the usual objections to killing do not apply.

Gist of Idea

If it is desirable that a given patient die, then moral objections to killing them do not apply

Source

James Rachels (No Moral Difference [1975], p.102)

Book Reference

'Ethics for Modern Life', ed/tr. Abelson,R./Friquegnon,M [St Martin's 1987], p.102


A Reaction

Seems reasonable, but a very consequentialist view. Is it good that small children should clean public toilets?