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What passive euthanasia is.

Iain Brassington1

  • 1CSEP/ Law, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. iain.brassington@manchester.ac.uk.

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|May 16, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The definition of passive euthanasia is unclear, particularly regarding the necessity of intending to cause death. This analysis argues that intention is crucial for understanding the morality of withholding life-sustaining treatment.

Keywords:
End-of-life careEuthanasiaIntentJames RachelsPassive euthanasiaWithholding treatment

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

  • The definition of passive euthanasia is often unclear.
  • Disagreement exists on whether all withholding of life-sustaining treatment constitutes passive euthanasia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the definition of passive euthanasia.
  • To examine the role of intention in distinguishing passive euthanasia from other forms of treatment withdrawal.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of ethical arguments.
  • Critique of existing literature on euthanasia, specifically James Rachels's work.

Main Results:

  • The core disagreement hinges on whether intention to cause death is necessary for an act to be considered passive euthanasia.
  • James Rachels's arguments suggest passive euthanasia does not require intent to end life, a view this paper challenges.
  • The paper argues that intention is a critical factor in assessing the moral nature of actions related to euthanasia.

Conclusions:

  • The current understanding of passive euthanasia lacks clarity, particularly concerning the role of intent.
  • Arguments that disregard intention in passive euthanasia are flawed.
  • A clear understanding of intention is vital for medical practice, law, and policy concerning end-of-life decisions.