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Killing, letting die and moral perception.

Grant Gillett

    Bioethics
    |October 1, 1994
    PubMed
    Summary

    Abstract philosophical arguments suggest killing and letting die are equivalent, justifying active euthanasia. However, this overlooks complex terminal care situations where moral intuitions resist euthanasia, advocating for their consideration over abstract reasoning.

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    Area of Science:

    • Bioethics
    • Medical Ethics
    • Philosophy of Medicine

    Background:

    • Abstract arguments equate killing with letting die, often used to support active euthanasia.
    • These arguments are frequently applied to justify euthanasia based on reasons for allowing patients to die.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To critically evaluate the abstract arguments that claim no difference between killing and letting die.
    • To highlight the importance of moral intuitions and particular circumstances in terminal illness care.
    • To argue for heeding practitioners' intuitions over abstract philosophical claims in end-of-life decisions.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of general philosophical arguments regarding killing vs. letting die.
    • Examination of the practical and moral complexities in terminal illness care.
    • Application of Nussbaum's concepts of moral perception and moral particularism.
    • Critique of the pro-euthanasia argument's abstract framework.

    Main Results:

    • General arguments fail to capture the nuances of terminal care situations.
    • Practitioners in palliative care often possess strong intuitions against active euthanasia.
    • These intuitions, rooted in complex situations, are not easily articulated in abstract terms.
    • Abstract philosophical reasoning may inadequately address the lived reality of end-of-life care.

    Conclusions:

    • Moral particularism and perception are crucial in end-of-life ethics.
    • The equivalence of killing and letting die is questionable in the context of terminal illness.
    • Practitioners' intuitions in palliative care warrant serious consideration in ethical debates on euthanasia.
    Keywords:
    Analytical ApproachDeath and Euthanasia

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