Existential Suffering as a Legitimization of Euthanasia.

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Philosophy of Life
• Legal Philosophy

Background:

• Several countries permit euthanasia for medically diagnosed suffering, but criteria vary.
• Existential suffering, distinct from medical conditions, is increasingly discussed in end-of-life debates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze a proposal for legalizing euthanasia based on existential suffering.
• To explore the philosophical underpinnings of life's value and its positive presumption.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of life's value.
• Review of existing euthanasia legislation and ethical frameworks.
• Examination of arguments for and against euthanasia for existential suffering.

Main Results:

• The concept of life's inherent positivity is challenged.
• Existing legal frameworks for euthanasia may not adequately address existential suffering.
• The ethical permissibility of euthanasia for existential suffering remains contested.

Conclusions:

• Legalizing euthanasia for existential suffering requires careful consideration of life's value.
• A nuanced ethical and legal framework is needed to address this complex issue.
• Further discourse is essential to determine the appropriate societal response.