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9 Dec 2025

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Understanding Ethics: Euthanasia Explained

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Aleksandra Golowska @hola_soy_ola

Euthanasia is one of the most complex ethical debates in modern society, dealing with end-of-life decisions for terminally... Show more

# EUTHANASIA

Specieism-valuing a life of a different specie less. e.g. dog & baby

Literal meaning-comes from the Greek -'en' = good and 't

What is Euthanasia?

The word euthanasia literally means "good death" in Greek, but it's much more complicated than that sounds. It refers to helping someone die who is terminally ill or suffering from a debilitating illness with no chance of recovery.

This isn't the same as suicide or murder - those involve ending life regardless of illness. Euthanasia specifically deals with compassionate death for those already facing inevitable suffering.

There are four main types you need to know. Active euthanasia means intentionally ending someone's life, whilst passive euthanasia involves withdrawing or not giving treatment to hasten death. The difference between voluntary (with consent) and involuntary (without consent) is equally crucial.

One of the biggest challenges is defining when life truly begins and ends. Even babies can't function independently - this raises profound questions about what makes life meaningful rather than just being "alive."

Key Point The debate isn't just medical - it's philosophical, asking fundamental questions about the value and meaning of human existence.

# EUTHANASIA

Specieism-valuing a life of a different specie less. e.g. dog & baby

Literal meaning-comes from the Greek -'en' = good and 't

The Moral Arguments

Philosopher James Rachels argues that passive euthanasia might actually be crueller than active euthanasia because it forces patients through long, drawn-out suffering. This challenges our instinct that "letting die" is morally better than "killing."

The acts and omissions debate explores whether there's a real moral difference between doing something harmful versus simply not preventing harm. Both can lead to death, but we often view them very differently.

When weighing up euthanasia decisions, we must consider proportionality - comparing the suffering caused by the illness against the suffering of death itself. Sometimes death might genuinely be the lesser evil.

The key issues include the sanctity of life lifeasGodgivenlife as God-given, personal autonomy (your right to choose), and whether we judge actions by their consequences or by the acts themselves. The motives behind euthanasia decisions matter enormously too.

Remember These aren't abstract philosophical puzzles - they're real dilemmas that affect families and medical professionals every day.

We thought you’d never ask...

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Religious Studies

192

9 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Ethics: Euthanasia Explained

user profile picture

Aleksandra Golowska

@hola_soy_ola

Euthanasia is one of the most complex ethical debates in modern society, dealing with end-of-life decisions for terminally ill patients. Understanding the different types and moral arguments around euthanasia helps us navigate difficult questions about life, death, and personal choice.

# EUTHANASIA

Specieism-valuing a life of a different specie less. e.g. dog & baby

Literal meaning-comes from the Greek -'en' = good and 't

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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What is Euthanasia?

The word euthanasia literally means "good death" in Greek, but it's much more complicated than that sounds. It refers to helping someone die who is terminally ill or suffering from a debilitating illness with no chance of recovery.

This isn't the same as suicide or murder - those involve ending life regardless of illness. Euthanasia specifically deals with compassionate death for those already facing inevitable suffering.

There are four main types you need to know. Active euthanasia means intentionally ending someone's life, whilst passive euthanasia involves withdrawing or not giving treatment to hasten death. The difference between voluntary (with consent) and involuntary (without consent) is equally crucial.

One of the biggest challenges is defining when life truly begins and ends. Even babies can't function independently - this raises profound questions about what makes life meaningful rather than just being "alive."

Key Point: The debate isn't just medical - it's philosophical, asking fundamental questions about the value and meaning of human existence.

# EUTHANASIA

Specieism-valuing a life of a different specie less. e.g. dog & baby

Literal meaning-comes from the Greek -'en' = good and 't

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Moral Arguments

Philosopher James Rachels argues that passive euthanasia might actually be crueller than active euthanasia because it forces patients through long, drawn-out suffering. This challenges our instinct that "letting die" is morally better than "killing."

The acts and omissions debate explores whether there's a real moral difference between doing something harmful versus simply not preventing harm. Both can lead to death, but we often view them very differently.

When weighing up euthanasia decisions, we must consider proportionality - comparing the suffering caused by the illness against the suffering of death itself. Sometimes death might genuinely be the lesser evil.

The key issues include the sanctity of life lifeasGodgivenlife as God-given, personal autonomy (your right to choose), and whether we judge actions by their consequences or by the acts themselves. The motives behind euthanasia decisions matter enormously too.

Remember: These aren't abstract philosophical puzzles - they're real dilemmas that affect families and medical professionals every day.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

6

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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Religious StudiesReligious Studies
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Samantha Klich

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Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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