| dc.description.abstract | Although termination of human life (including euthanasia) is a source of
major debates in ethics, a critical examination of the views advanced as regards
life in these debates is lacking.
A keen scrutiny, for example, at the euthanasia debate reveals that there
is the principle of preserving life and that human life is special, unique, precious
and/or sacred.
Questions that need a thorough consideration emerge. is the principle
of preserving life an overriding one as far as terminating human life is
concerned? And, is human life special, unique or sacred? If yes, are these
qualities so strong as to impede all forms of terminating life, euthanasia
included? These questions are addressed by critically examining and evaluating the
views advanced in the debate on euthanasia, and critically examining the
concept human life and its termination in the religious world (Christianity)'
traditional world (ldakho) and contemporary world, as represented by the
scientific and philosophic views. The argument is that terminating human life can be justifiable and
defensible. It is found that human life is indeed special compared to those of
animals and plants hence the principle of preserving it. It is however argued
that this principle and the high value attached to human life are both
superseded by other principles and considerations that favour or justify
terminating human life, for example state security, retribution, prestige and utilitarian considerations. Hence, just as some principles are used to justify
other forms of terminating human life, so can the same be done on euthanasia.
And in this work it is found that euthanasia is justifiable on the grounds of
utilitarianism. It would therefore be illogical to argue that euthanasia is bad
because it involves terminating a life that is special and unique, and that it
violates the principle of preserving life. | en |
