Question 1

Rule-utilitarian approaches always oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Accepted Answer

Rule-utilitarianism evaluates the morality of an action based on rules that, if universally followed, would lead to the greatest good for the greatest number. Whether euthanasia or assisted suicide is opposed depends on the consequences of these actions being universally permitted and their alignment with the principle of the greatest good.

Question 2

Under Catholic principles, a physician must use every means possible to prolong a person's life in every case.

Accepted Answer

Catholic principles allow for the refusal of overly aggressive medical treatments when they are disproportionate to the expected outcome, focusing instead on the patient's comfort and quality of life.

Question 3

Kant would clearly prohibit nonvoluntary euthanasia on persons who have lapsed into a persistent vegetative state.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kant would clearly prohibit nonvoluntary euthanasia on...

Question 4

A large majority of adults in the U.S. think that when a person has a disease that cannot be cured, doctors should be allowed by law to end the patient's life by some painless means if the patient and the patient's family request it.

Accepted Answer

Surveys and polls, such as those conducted by Gallup, have consistently shown that a significant majority of adults in the U.S. support the idea of allowing doctors to end a patient's life by painless means if the patient has an incurable disease and both the patient and their family request it, reflecting support for physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia under certain conditions.

Question 5

Active euthanasia refers to situations in which competent patients voluntarily request or agree to euthanasia.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Active euthanasia refers to situations in which...

Question 6

The thought behind the whole brain standard of death is that individuals are dead when they are no longer persons, regardless of what physiological activity persist.

Accepted Answer

The whole brain standard of death is based on the cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem, not on the concept of personhood or the presence of specific physiological activities.

Question 7

Most people who support the autonomy argument think that having a right to die forces a duty on others (e.g., physicians) to help in the dying.

Accepted Answer

Supporters of the autonomy argument typically believe in the right to die as a matter of personal choice and control over one's own body and life decisions, not as imposing a duty on others to assist in the process.

Question 8

In the Netherlands, physician misconduct in euthanasia cases is extremely rare.

Accepted Answer

In the Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal under strict conditions, cases of physician misconduct are extremely rare due to the rigorous review and oversight processes in place. These include mandatory reporting, review by regional euthanasia review committees, and adherence to strict criteria set forth in the law.

Question 9

In the Netherlands, the percent of all deaths resulting from euthanasia rose between 1990 and 2015.

Accepted Answer

The percentage of all deaths resulting from euthanasia in the Netherlands has indeed increased since its legalization in 2002, reflecting a growing acceptance and utilization of euthanasia in end-of-life care.

Question 10

Most people on both sides of the euthanasia debate agree that the mere possibility of abuses arising from allowing euthanasia or assisted suicide is in itself a good reason to ban the practices.

Accepted Answer

While concerns about potential abuses are significant in the euthanasia debate, they do not universally lead to agreement on banning the practices. Many argue that with proper safeguards and regulations, the risks of abuses can be minimized, and thus, do not necessarily justify a complete ban.

Question 11

What kinds of factors would an act-utilitarian have to consider when determining whether euthanasia is morally permissible?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What kinds of factors would an act-utilitarian...

Question 12

The natural law view in Roman Catholicism condemns both active and passive euthanasia. However, the doctrine of double effect offers another possibility for terminal patients struggling with severe pain. Explain how the doctrine of double effect might play a role in these cases.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The natural law view in Roman Catholicism...

Question 13

Explain Kant's view on suicide and euthanasia.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain Kant's view on suicide and euthanasia....

Question 14

Define the four kinds of euthanasia that have been the main focus in bioethics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the four kinds of euthanasia that...

Question 15

Present one serious obstacle to the argument that allowing active euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide will inevitably lead to heinous extensions or perversions of the original practices.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Present one serious obstacle to the argument...

Question 16

The Following Questions For Readings: "Death and Dignity: A Case of Individualized Decision Making," Timothy E. Quill
-Quill thinks that all terminal cancer patients should

Accepted Answer

Quill's perspective emphasizes individualized decision making, suggesting that not all terminal cancer patients should be treated in the same way he treated Diane, but rather that treatment should be tailored to the specific needs and wishes of each patient.

Question 17

The Following Questions For Readings: "Death and Dignity: A Case of Individualized Decision Making," Timothy E. Quill
-Quill says that thinking that people do not suffer in the process of dying is

Accepted Answer

Quill suggests that believing people do not suffer in the process of dying is an illusion, emphasizing the reality of suffering during the dying process and the importance of acknowledging it.

Question 18

The Following Questions For Readings: "Death and Dignity: A Case of Individualized Decision Making," Timothy E. Quill
-Quill says that for the dying, suffering can be lessened by a competent, caring physician

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Following Questions For Readings: "Death and...

Question 19

The Following Questions For Readings: "Voluntary Active Euthanasia," Dan W. Brock
-Dan W. Brock argues that the possible good consequences of establishing a public policy of permitting voluntary active euthanasia

Accepted Answer

Dan W. Brock argues that the possible good consequences of establishing a public policy of permitting voluntary active euthanasia can outweigh the bad, suggesting that with proper safeguards, the benefits of allowing individuals to choose the timing and manner of their death in cases of severe suffering can surpass the potential negative outcomes.

Question 20

The Following Questions For Readings: "Voluntary Active Euthanasia," Dan W. Brock
-Brock argues that voluntary active euthanasia is morally permissible because

Accepted Answer

Brock argues that voluntary active euthanasia is morally permissible due to the importance of self-determination and personal well-being, emphasizing the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives, including the decision to end it under certain circumstances.

Quiz 10: Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide