What is physician-assisted suicide, and how does it differ from active and passive euthanasia? [a] On January 1, 2014, Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with brain cancer. In April, she was given just six months to live.
What is physician-assisted suicide, and how does it differ from active and passive euthanasia?
[a] On January 1, 2014, Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with brain cancer. In April, she was given just six months to live.
Brittany wanted to have the option of ending her own life with the help of her doctor before the cancer became unbearable. So, she moved to Oregon to take advantage of the state’s ‘Death with Dignity’ law. On November 1, 2014, surrounded by family members, Brittany ended her own life by ingesting drugs prescribed by her doctor.
Oregon is currently one of five states in which physician-assisted suicide is legal. In June of this year, physician-assisted suicide became legal in California (the fifth state).
Do you morally approve or disapprove of California’s decision to legalize physician-assisted suicide?
Your paper should carefully address the following questions:
1. What is physician-assisted suicide, and how does it differ from active and passive euthanasia?
2. Would J. Gay-Williams approve of physician-assisted suicide? (Why/why not?)
3. Would James Rachels approve of physician-assisted suicide? (Why/why not?)
4. Do you approve of California’s decision to legalize physician-assisted suicide? (Why/why not?)
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[b] Brittany Maynard suffered immensely as a result of her brain cancer. And (presumably) she believed that death would bring an end to her suffering.
Do you believe that Brittany’s death (or being dead) is a bad thing for her?
Your paper should carefully address the following questions:
1. Would Stephen Rosenbaum & Epicurus believe that Brittany’s death was bad? (Why/why not?)
2. Would Lucretius believe that Brittany’s death was bad? (Why/why not?)
3. Would Tom Nagel believe that Brittany’s death was bad? (Why/why not?)
4. Do you believe that Brittany’s death was bad? (Why/why not?)
**Your paper should be 4 typed, double-spaced pages and is due on the day of the Final Exam (Wednesday, September 7th). Please email your paper to me at bjohns@csusb.edu. Late papers will be penalized two letter grades (e.g., A → C) for each day beyond the due date.
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