Autonomy and assisted suicide. The execution of freedom

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Moral Philosophy

Background:

• Arguments for assisted suicide often rely on the principle of autonomy.
• The concept of autonomy in ethical decision-making requires careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the application of autonomy in arguments for assisted suicide.
• To explore the limitations of autonomy when a substantive theory of the good is absent.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of the concept of autonomy.
• Ethical reasoning regarding moral prohibitions and permissions.
• Examination of theories of the good and their relation to autonomy.

Main Results:

• Autonomy, in the absence of a substantive theory of the good, cannot distinguish morally permissible from prohibited acts.
• Imposing specific theories of the good, such as individual liberty or sanctity of life, infringes upon the autonomy of those who dissent.

Conclusions:

• The ethical justification of assisted suicide based solely on autonomy is philosophically inadequate.
• Respect for autonomy necessitates avoiding the imposition of contested theories of the good.