Abstract
This essay will examine the voluntary euthanasia case of Ah Bun in Hong Kong whether is morally permissible or not by considering various factors. First, I will introduce a brief background of euthanasia especially the voluntary one. Second, I will show case the controversy issue of Ah Bun that aroused a heated debate in Hong Kong. Third, I will analyses three reasonable factors of Ah Bun in support of relevant ethical theories. Forth, I will critically examine two opposing reasons using ethical concepts as well. Finally, I will conclude the case of Ah Bun is morally acceptable to carry out voluntary euthanasia and urge the government to take immediate action to regulate related law.
Introduction
“Euthanasia” is commonly known …show more content…
To begin with, carrying out voluntary euthanasia upon patient’s request is a respect of basic right to him. According to Kant, he believed we all are rational agent with “intrinsic worth”. Therefore we should treat everyone “always as an end and never merely as a means only” to respect his rational capacities. Therefore, we ought not to against Ah Bun’s will to end his life with dignity. Since his action did not induce harm to others in the society, he should have the autonomy to make his own choice for …show more content…
In this case, Ah bun not only had to endure the pain caused by the medical treatment but also had to bear the hopeless waiting to die and how “useless” he thought when he lied on the bed day by day. His family also had to suffer from seeing their dearest son torturing. According to utilitarianism, the morally right action means which can bring the greatest happiness for all concerned. Therefore, if the overall happiness increases (i.e. level of relieving pain for Ah Bun and his family is greater than the loss in happiness for Ah Bun to have a merely possible bright future and for his family to lose a son), he should be allowed to take the voluntary euthanasia.
Also, as stated by Virtue Ethics, his act can also demonstrate the virtues which help achieve eudaimonia , for example Ah Bun can show his courage to face the death and his family and the doctor can exhibit kindness to help Ah Bun relieve
This essay will examine the voluntary euthanasia case of Ah Bun in Hong Kong whether is morally permissible or not by considering various factors. First, I will introduce a brief background of euthanasia especially the voluntary one. Second, I will show case the controversy issue of Ah Bun that aroused a heated debate in Hong Kong. Third, I will analyses three reasonable factors of Ah Bun in support of relevant ethical theories. Forth, I will critically examine two opposing reasons using ethical concepts as well. Finally, I will conclude the case of Ah Bun is morally acceptable to carry out voluntary euthanasia and urge the government to take immediate action to regulate related law.
Introduction
“Euthanasia” is commonly known …show more content…
To begin with, carrying out voluntary euthanasia upon patient’s request is a respect of basic right to him. According to Kant, he believed we all are rational agent with “intrinsic worth”. Therefore we should treat everyone “always as an end and never merely as a means only” to respect his rational capacities. Therefore, we ought not to against Ah Bun’s will to end his life with dignity. Since his action did not induce harm to others in the society, he should have the autonomy to make his own choice for …show more content…
In this case, Ah bun not only had to endure the pain caused by the medical treatment but also had to bear the hopeless waiting to die and how “useless” he thought when he lied on the bed day by day. His family also had to suffer from seeing their dearest son torturing. According to utilitarianism, the morally right action means which can bring the greatest happiness for all concerned. Therefore, if the overall happiness increases (i.e. level of relieving pain for Ah Bun and his family is greater than the loss in happiness for Ah Bun to have a merely possible bright future and for his family to lose a son), he should be allowed to take the voluntary euthanasia.
Also, as stated by Virtue Ethics, his act can also demonstrate the virtues which help achieve eudaimonia , for example Ah Bun can show his courage to face the death and his family and the doctor can exhibit kindness to help Ah Bun relieve