Euthanasia Examined Ethical, Clinical and Legal Perspectives [Paperback]

This book discusses thoroughly the major ethical, legal and clinical issues involved in the euthanasia debate.Whether euthanasia or assisted suicide should be legalised is one of the most pressing and profound questions facing health-care professionals and society today. This book aims to inform the debate by acquainting anyone interested in this vital question with some of the major ethical, legal and clinical issues involved.Whether euthanasia or assisted suicide should be legalised is one of the most pressing and profound questions facing health-care professionals and society today. This book aims to inform the debate by acquainting anyone interested in this vital question with some of the major ethical, legal and clinical issues involved.Whether euthanasia or assisted suicide should be legalized is one of the most pressing and profound questions facing legislators, health care professionals, their patients, and all members of society. Regrettably, the debate is too often characterized by rhetoric rather than reason. This book aims to inform the debate by acquainting anyone interested in this vital question with some of the major ethical, legal, clinical and theological issues involved. The essays it contains are authoritative in that they have been commissioned from some of the world's leading experts, balanced in that they reflect divergent viewpoints (including a vigorous debate between two eminent philosophers), and readable in that they should be readily understood by the general reader.Foreword Daniel Callahan; Introduction John Keown; 1. Euthanasia and the value of life John Harris; 2. A philosophical case against euthanasia John Finnis; 3. The philosophical case against euthanasia John Harris; 4. The fragile case for euthanasia: a reply to John Harris John Finnis; 5. Final thoughts on final acts John Harris; 6. Misunderstanding the case against euthanasia: response to Harris's first reply John Finnis; 7. Euthanasia: back to the future Kenneth Boyd; 8. ThlÃE