Shortcomings and inadequacies of autonomy argument for euthanasia

Malik, Mohammad Manzoor (2014) Shortcomings and inadequacies of autonomy argument for euthanasia. Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics, 5 (2). pp. 61-67. ISSN 2078-1458 (O), 2226-9231 (P)

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Abstract

Patient autonomy has a critical role in making decisions in medical practice and it is accepted by international conventions on health care and various national medical codes. However, pertaining to terminally ill patients, this right becomes very problematic in regards to end of life decisions. Utilitarian ethicists motivated by materialistic worldview and individualism have made patient autonomy based arguments for the permissibility of active euthanasia. An appraisal of pro-euthanasia arguments that include the best interest, golden rule, and autonomy is made in this paper. The best interest and golden rule arguments are based on subjective moral judgment thus failing the universalization test. The argument from autonomy is unconvincing because of the confounded autonomy of the terminally ill patients.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	6595/37546
Uncontrolled Keywords:	patient autonomy, golden rule, euthanasia, end of life decisions
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1725 Ethics of social groups, classes, etc. Professional ethics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of General Studies
Depositing User:	Dr. Mohamamd Manzoor Malik
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2014 12:01
Last Modified:	19 Jun 2018 11:53
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/37546

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