1. A) Explain the ethical issues regarding euthanasia.
This was another popular question. Better candidates were able to explain the moral issues
surrounding euthanasia such as the sanctity of life, the quality of life, autonomy and personhood –
often using the ideas of Peter Singer. Better candidatesdiscussed the moral issues attached to
different types of euthanasia, using pertinent references to case studies such as Tony Bland, Diane
Pretty and Daniel James.
Many candidates discussed the issue of moral autonomy using Mill’s principles as found in On
Liberty and many candidates used a range of scholars when discussing who might be considered a
human being in terms of their genetic makeup but who lacked consciousness, independence,
awareness and rationality. Again many candidates tried to identify the moral issues using the ethical
theories – some succeeded, but weaker candidates gave a general discussion of how the ethical
theories can be applied to euthanasia without giving an explanation of the moral issues.
B) ‘Utilitarianism is the best approach to euthanasia.’Discuss.
Straight-forward answers simply discussed the merits of Utilitarianism as an approach to euthanasia,
generally coming down in favour as it made most people happy.
Better responses considered the different forms of Utilitarianism and how they would approach the
issue, or compared it to religious approaches such as Situation Ethics and Natural Law.
Utilitarianism is not the best approach as it justifies euthanasia excessively
For instance if enough people gain happiness from the death of one person, it can be
justified
There is no actual protection for the minority, such as the patient as it favours the majority
Safeguarding of the individual’s right is ignored
On the other hand, Natural LawIt is the best approach as killing is against God says it is an
absolute not to end life,
As it defies on of the five precepts, and people should not have the ability to play God
It is a sin, sins should not be committed if they want to be closer to God
Euthanasia stirs us as a human race, away from God and breaks the bond between man and
God
Utilitarianism can lead to a “slippery slope”
Life can be made subordinate to economic and personal convenience
Less people on the earth = less money for the government
If euthanasia is a way of justifying killing, then there is a worrying question of what other
forms of death the government is able to put forth

2. Could lead to many ending lives but not in complete decision of their own
Explain the ethical issues regarding euthanasia - Plan
Intro
Sanctity of Life
Personhood link to Quality of Life
Natural Law = does not allow euthanasia, = defies one of the five precepts, preservation of
life
Utilitarianism = benefits majority = leaves patient in the minority?
James Rachel’s Killing + Letting Die