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Euthanasia and eudaimonia.

D M Shaw1

  • 1University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JZ, UK. d.shaw@dental.gla.ac.uk

Journal of Medical Ethics
|September 1, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Achieving a flourishing life, or eudaimonia, may necessitate euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide when faced with unbearable suffering. This perspective argues for greater patient control over the end of life to ensure a complete life narrative.

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Medicine
  • Ethics
  • Ancient Greek Philosophy

Background:

  • Eudaimonia, the ancient Greek concept of a flourishing life, is re-examined.
  • The paper explores the ethical considerations of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
  • Traditional views on death and dying are contrasted with a life-course perspective on happiness.

Observation:

  • A life marked by unbearable, unavoidable suffering at its end cannot be considered a fully flourishing or happy life.
  • Denying individuals control over the timing and manner of their death, especially when facing extreme suffering, is ethically problematic.
  • The concept of 'killing as a benefit' is explored within the context of alleviating suffering.

Findings:

  • Eudaimonia, or lifelong happiness, may be unattainable if a person experiences prolonged, unbearable suffering before death.
  • Granting autonomy in life choices but restricting it in end-of-life decisions is inconsistent and unjust.
  • Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide can be ethically justifiable means to achieve eudaimonia in specific circumstances.

Implications:

  • This re-evaluation suggests that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide may be necessary components for achieving a truly flourishing life.
  • The findings challenge conventional end-of-life ethics by prioritizing a holistic view of happiness and well-being.
  • Further philosophical and ethical discourse is warranted on the role of assisted dying in ensuring a dignified and complete life narrative.