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Euthanasia And Divine Command Theory

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Euthanasia is the deliberate killing under the impulse of compassion in order to relieve the physical pain of a person suffering (Diaconescu 2012, p.474). According to Thiroux and Krasemann, (2012) Euthanasia has existed in human history from ancient’s times, although within twentieth century it is now being considered, as a type of “mercy killing”, in which is a form of murder within most countries of the world. Healey (1997) stated “euthanasia always involves an intention to kill” ethical debates on the topic continue to be an ongoing issue, this essay will distinguish the unethical notions of euthanasia by considering and implementing the theoretical concepts of the divine command theory and Rule utilitarianism theory. Divine Command Theory emphasises on the rules for determining one’s actions and motives, Christianity for example, the command of ‘thou shalt not kill’ reflects on the sanctity of life, therefore …show more content…

Non-Voluntary is where one ends the life of person who cannot choose for themselves. Furthermore Thiroux and Krasemann, (2012) argues that people who perform mercy killing is not violation of the value of life because in most cases the people killed are not aware, mercy killing can also be justified, by the virtue ethics (Confucians) theory as it suggest that people suffering from an illness would not be a living eudaimon life, so ending someone’s life can be ethically justified. Confucians build moral judgement based on intuition rather than the reflection of moral principles. The arguments for and against euthanasia and mercy killings are complex; as both sides of the debate question the notions of morality. Although this essay will argue against euthanasia, as the quality of life is an ethically essential concept to consider, regardless of the motive murder is

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