The Ethics of Euthanasia: Rethinking the Right to Die in Modern Moral Philosophy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjiks.2025.v2.n1.018Keywords:
euthanasia, right to die, moral philosophy, autonomy, ethical deliberation, virtue ethics, principlismAbstract
The ethical aspects of euthanasia are rigorously examined in this essay, which places the right to die in the larger context of contemporary moral philosophy. It examines the conflict between personal freedom and social duty, emphasizing the intricate interactions between moral, legal, and physical factors that influence end-of-life choices. I examine the legitimacy of voluntary euthanasia while challenging worries about potential societal consequences, slippery slopes, and the fundamental dignity of human life, drawing on the viewpoints of Dworkin (1993) and Callahan (1992). The study highlights a complex approach that strikes a balance between justice, compassion, and logical moral reasoning by including ideas from modern virtue ethics, principlism, and human rights discourse. According to the analysis, the ethical assessment of euthanasia necessitates contextual sensitivity to the lived experiences of suffering, relational obligations, and the moral agency of patients, families, and medical professionals rather than being reduced to strict rules or abstract principles. This thoughtful investigation questions traditional dichotomous arguments in favour of or against euthanasia by putting forth a rethinking of moral duty that recognizes both individual autonomy and group ethical obligation. In the end, the study advances knowledge of the philosophical underpinnings of the right to die, encouraging continued ethical contemplation and well-informed policy-making that upholds human dignity while reducing potential ethical and social hazards.
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