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A life not worth living?

Craig Paterson1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, Providence College, Rhode Island, USA.

Studies in Christian Ethics
|March 6, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This study explores the philosophical debate on the intrinsic value of human life, contrasting quality of life arguments with the concept of life as a basic human good. It advocates for dialectical reasoning to support respecting life

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Medicine
  • Moral Philosophy

Background:

  • Current bioethical thought, exemplified by Brock and Kuhse, challenges the sanctity of life doctrine.
  • These views question inherent human worth, prioritizing 'quality of life' over biological existence.
  • The concept of 'personal life' is proposed as the threshold for objective worth, distinct from mere biological life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To respond to challenges questioning the inherent value of human life.
  • To articulate a defense of human life as a basic, intrinsic, and incommensurable good.
  • To explore the role of dialectical reasoning in supporting the practical reasonableness of respecting human life.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis and argumentation.
  • Engaging with existing ethical frameworks, particularly those of Brock, Kuhse, and Finnis.
  • Utilizing dialectical reasoning to support the inherent value of human life.

Main Results:

  • Argues against the notion that quality of life can intentionally outweigh the intrinsic good of human life.
  • Affirms human life as a basic human good, which cannot be reasonably acted against.
  • Demonstrates how dialectical reasoning can reinforce the deliberative choices that respect human life.

Conclusions:

  • Human life possesses an intrinsic, self-evident worth that is not contingent on quality of life.
  • Dialectical reasoning provides a framework for upholding the fundamental value of human life in ethical decision-making.
  • Respecting human life as a basic good is practically reasonable and ethically imperative.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachDeath and EuthanasiaPhilosophical Approach

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