[Euthanasia and the paradoxes of autonomy]

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Philosophy

Context:

• The principle of respect for autonomy is central to bioethical arguments, particularly concerning euthanasia.
• Despite its utility, a detailed analysis reveals numerous conceptual difficulties and paradoxes.

Purpose:

• To investigate the principle of autonomy, tracing its historical origins and philosophical development.
• To examine the paradoxes and theoretical challenges associated with autonomy in the context of end-of-life decisions.

Summary:

• The paper traces the principle of autonomy from ancient Greek and Christian traditions to its modern formulation by Immanuel Kant.
• It critically analyzes the concept by presenting paradoxes found in philosophy, biology, psychoanalysis, and politics.
• The study highlights the theoretical difficulties in applying autonomy to decisions about life termination.

Impact:

• This research provides a critical perspective on the application of autonomy in bioethics, especially in end-of-life care discussions.
• It encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities and limitations of autonomy when making critical life decisions.