Back to Search Start Over

What is a Death With Dignity?

Authors :
Gentzler, Jyl
Source :
Journal of Medicine & Philosophy. Aug2003, Vol. 28 Issue 4, p461-487. 27p.
Publication Year :
2003

Abstract

Proponents of the legalization of assisted suicide often appeal to our supposed right to "die with dignity" to defend their case. I examine and assess different notions of "dignity" that are operating in many arguments for the legalization of assisted suicide, and I find them all to be deficient. I then consider an alternative conception of dignity that is based on Aristotle's conception of the conditions on the best life. I conclude that, while such a conception of dignity fits best with our intuitions about the conditions under which a life has dignity, it supports the legalization of assisted suicide only under very limited circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03605310
Volume :
28
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Medicine & Philosophy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
12659016
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1076/jmep.28.4.461.15968