CHECK: applying ethical theories to euthanasia:

What is the focus of Aquinas's natural law approach in ethics?

Aquinas's natural law approach focuses on determining the goodness of actions based on how they align with eternal law. This process of reasoning determines what is right and wrong, focusing not only on the body but the whole person, linked to God's ultimate plan, which includes their journey to heaven.

How does natural law apply to euthanasia in Catholic moral thought?

Natural law opposes euthanasia because it conflicts with primary precepts, such as the command to preserve life. Euthanasia contradicts the sanctity of life and God's plan for humans, as life is a gift from God, created in His image (Psalm 139:13).

What is the Catholic Church's stance on euthanasia according to natural law?

The Catholic Church teaches that euthanasia is wrong. Life is sacred and a gift from God, and euthanasia violates divine law, causing harm by ending the potential for love, education, community, reproduction, and worship (Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et Spes, 1965; Declaration on Euthanasia, 1980).

What does the Catholic Church say about asking someone to assist in euthanasia?

The Catholic Church teaches that asking someone to assist in euthanasia is wrong, as it violates divine law and human dignity. It is seen as an attack on humanity and a crime against life (Declaration on Euthanasia, 1980).

How does the Catholic Church interpret euthanasia as an apparent good?

Although euthanasia may seem to alleviate suffering, it fails to recognize a greater good tied to life's intrinsic nature and its place in God's plan, affecting not just the individual but also society and the afterlife.

What are the potential social consequences of legalizing euthanasia according to natural law?

Legalizing euthanasia might cause fear in vulnerable people, such as the elderly, leading them to avoid medical care and suffer without treatment. It could also make people, especially those suffering from depression, more likely to consider euthanasia, undermining societal well-being.

How does natural law view the refusal of burdensome medical treatment?

Natural law allows individuals to refuse burdensome medical treatment, such as chemotherapy for cancer patients, if it causes more harm than benefit. This choice respects a person's dignity and aligns with living life according to God's plan.

What does the doctrine of double effect say about palliative care?

The doctrine of double effect recognizes that palliative care may unintentionally shorten life, but the intention is not to kill. The aim is to alleviate pain, which is morally acceptable as long as the death is not directly intended. This is recognized in Catholic teaching and in UK medical practice as a non-treatment decision (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2278).

How does the Catholic Church view discontinuing burdensome medical procedures?

The Catholic Church allows discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary, disproportionate, or dangerous, as long as the intention is not to cause death. The decision should be made by the patient or those legally entitled to act on their behalf (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2278).

What is Fletcher’s view on moral decision-making in euthanasia?

Fletcher’s situation ethics rejects legalistic approaches, instead emphasizing the importance of understanding the individual's situation. The moral decision is based on the context and guided by unconditional love, with no fixed rules like "do not kill."

How did Fletcher contribute to the euthanasia debate?

Fletcher, serving as president of the Euthanasia Society of America, argued that there are no absolute moral standards for medical treatment. His philosophy emphasized patient autonomy and dignity in decisions like euthanasia, aiming to remove rigid ethical rules.

What qualities does Fletcher identify as essential for being considered a human person?

Fletcher identified qualities such as minimal intelligence (IQ of 20–40), self-awareness, communication, curiosity, rationality, and the ability to change. These qualities define a human being's worth and help assess the morality of euthanasia in cases of individuals lacking these qualities.

How does Fletcher’s situation ethics assess the quality of life in relation to euthanasia?

Fletcher prioritizes the quality of life over the sanctity of life. He argues that life without essential human qualities, such as rationality or self-awareness, may not be worth living, and euthanasia could be considered a moral option in such cases.

Does Fletcher approve of euthanasia?

Fletcher does not explicitly approve of euthanasia but argues that moral decisions regarding euthanasia should be made based on the situation and guided by unconditional love. Each case should be evaluated on its own merits.