Euthanasia and Frankenstein
analytical Essay
1448 words
There have been numerous debates all around the globe as to whether or not the practice of euthanasia is ethical or unethical. People who are in pain and suffering are more likely to be pro-euthanasia. Those who never have to feel that level of pain and suffering that would drive a person to want to end their lives could never understand a person’s reason for considering this option. Fictional characters are used to express human suffering such as those found in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. There are several modern themes such as genetic engineering, cloning, the treatment of outcast and playing God highlighted in Shelley’s book, however the focus of this paper is on the less common theme of euthanasia involving the main character Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Euthanasia comes from the Greek word that means “good death” (“Euthanasia” Literary). In general, euthanasia refers to causing the death of someone to end their pain and suffering oftentimes in cases of terminal illness. Some people call this “mercy killings.” There are two types of euthanasia: passive and active. Passive or voluntary euthanasia refers to withholding life saving treatments or medical technology to prolong life. For example, a patient has the right to refuse medical treatment. They also have the right to refuse resuscitation if they are in need to be placed on life support. Active or involuntary euthanasia refers to providing the means for someone to take their life or assisting with taking their life (“Euthanasia” Discovering). There are several important ethical issues related to euthanasia. One is allowing people who are terminally ill and suffering the right to choose death. Should these people continue to suffer even though they really are ba... ... middle of paper ... ...ow point drives him to consider death as an alternative to suffering. This chapter helps to highlight some present day themes about the ethical issues of euthanasia such as the difference between active and passive euthanasia. Also whether or not a medical professional should assist in the process and under what circumstances. Discussion about euthanasia will probably continue in the future. This character brings some of the issues to light. Works Cited “Euthanasia.” Discovering Collection. Web. 2 May 2011. “Euthanasia.” Literary Reference Center. Web. 2 May 2011. Kiliff, Sarah. “The Compassionate Killers.” Newsweek. Web. 2May 2011. Rayner, Claire. “You Say Murder, I Say Euthanasia.” Literary Reference Center. Web. 2May 2011. Shelley, Mary. “Frankenstein.” Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1916. “What the Doctor Did.” Newsweek. Web. 2 May 2011.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that people who are in pain and suffering are more likely to be pro-euthanasia. fictional characters are used to express human suffering, such as those found in mary shelley’s frankenstein.
- Explains that euthanasia refers to causing the death of someone to end their pain and suffering oftentimes in cases of terminal illness.
- Explains that there are two types of euthanasia: passive and active. passive or voluntary, a patient has the right to refuse medical treatment or resuscitation if they need life support.
- Explains that terminally ill people have the right to choose death, but not everyone agrees with this position. people have living wills that outline their wishes should they need life support.
- Explains that modern medical technology can prolong life beyond the point where one would die naturally. this technology has clearly changed the definition of when life ends.
- Explains the legal issues related to those who assist with ending a life. during the katrina crisis, several patients were put to death by lethal injection.
- Explains that the legalization of euthanasia is a huge ethical issue. derek humphry founded the hemlock society to "promote tolerance for the right to die"
- Opines that most people will never agree that euthanasia should be legal especially those who are living with a medical disability.
- Explains that the ethical issue of deciding when one should be allowed to take their life became a huge issue during the early stages of the aids epidemic.
- Analyzes how frankenstein was accused of murdering his friend henry clerval in chapter xi of the novel. he had a nervous breakdown and was placed in prison.
- Analyzes how frankenstein wants to die to end his misery and horror. the nurse agrees that it would be better if he were dead, but she makes it clear that she will not assist in the process.
- Analyzes how frankenstein seems very depressed and really wants to die, but he doesn't have the means to take his life by himself so his only out is passive euthanasia.
- Analyzes how dr. frankenstein's low point drives him to consider death as an alternative to suffering. this chapter helps to highlight some present day themes about the ethical issues of euthanasia.
- Describes the works cited in "euthanasia." literary reference center. kiliff, sarah. "the compassionate killers." newsweek.
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- Euthanasiaanalytical essayThe applied ethical issue of euthanasia, or mercy killing, concerns whether it is morally permissible for a third party, such as a physician, to end the life of a terminally ill patient who is in intense pain. The word euthanasia comes from the Greek words eu (‘well’) and thanatos (‘death’). It means a painless and gentle death. But in modern usage, it has come to imply that someone’s life is ended for compassionate reasons by some passive or active steps taken by another person. The euthanasia controversy is part of a larger issue concerning the right to die. Staunch defenders of personal liberty argue that all of us are morally entitled to end our lives when we see fit. Thus, according to these people, euthanasia is in principle morally permissible. Two additional concepts are relevant to the discussion of euthanasia. First, voluntary euthanasia refers to mercy killing that takes place with the explicit and voluntary consent of the patient, either verbally or in a written document such as a living will. Second, non-voluntary euthanasia refers to the mercy killing of a patient who is unconscious, comatose, or otherwise unable to explicitly make his intentions known. (Downing 1969) In these cases it is often family members who make the request. It is important not to confuse non-voluntary mercy killing with involuntary mercy killing. The latter would be done against the wishes of the patient and would clearly count as murder.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the euthanasia controversy is part of a larger issue concerning the right to die.
- Explains that there are several arguments in favor of the moral permissibility of euthanasia, including mercy, respect for autonomy, and kant's categorical imperative.
- Explains that many doctors believe that euthanasia is wrong, and that palliative care should be given when people have an incurable illness.
- Analyzes how euthanasia has a long history of philosophical discussion. ancient greek thinkers favored it, even though they opposed suicide.
- Argues that euthanasia is not a question of ending someone's life but the important question is how their life ends. pro-lifers, people who are against it, place the emphasis on killing.
- Opines that euthanasia is a controversial subject and that it should be left to the sufferer's conscience to decide whether they want to end their lives.
1577 wordsRead More - The Practice of Euthanasiaopinionated essayThe practice of euthanasia has many names: “mercy killing”, “assisted suicide”, or “physician assisted suicide,”and according to Medina, euthanasia is defined as purposefully killing or allowing the death of terminally sick or injured person with the idea or goal of relieving their pain and suffering(Medina).
In this essay, the author
- Opines that people for and against the use of euthanasia have questioned and debated ethics of use. the main debate has been about whether people have the right to end a life that many believe is given to us by god
- Explains that euthanasia is defined as purposefully killing or allowing the death of terminally sick or injured person with the idea or goal of relieving their pain and suffering.
- Describes the different types of euthanasia, including passive, active, and involuntary.
- Opines that death is a natural part of life's cycle. patients have the right to request euthanasia, but the amount of time left to live is not ethically relevant.
- Explains that doctor kevorkian, who spent 8 years in prison after being convicted of second degree murder in the assisted suicide of over 130 terminally ill patients, made doctors more sympathetic to those in severe pain and willing to prescribe medications to relieve it.
- Explains that supporters of euthanasia believe that terminally ill and injured patients deserve the "right to die" or their families should be allowed to discontinue their life support when there is no hope of recovery.
- Opines that euthanasia disrupts the natural order, harms communities, and most of all is a sin against god in some religions.
- Opines that medical technology has made it possible to enhance human quality of life. euthanasia could mean many of those that have died could have survived if they would not have requested it.
- Opines that the time that we are given here on earth is given to use as a gift from god and should not be tampered with.
996 wordsRead More - Thesis For The Pros And Cons Of Euthanasiaanalytical essayEuthanasia is the process of killing a patient with the intention of relieving their suffering and pain. It is also commonly known as mercy killing, and many often do not agree with it most especially in cases where a terminal illness is not inclusive. While euthanasia has been legalized in certain states in the United States such as Oregon, a lot of opposition has arisen as to whom so legible to receiving this treatment.
In this essay, the author
- Concludes that godelieva lived a life of pain, suffering and torment. the fact that physicians such as wel distelman got awards for being pro-euthanasia is mind boggling.
- Explains that euthanasia is the process of killing a patient with the intention of relieving their suffering and pain.
- Quotes dr. wim distelman, a professor of palliative medicine and oncologist, who advocated for euthanasia in belgium, luxembourg, canada, and colombia.
- Analyzes how people choose to be euthanized despite not being terminally ill. since the law was legalized, more people prefer doctors to do it for them.
- Analyzes how tom searched tirelessly for any and all criticisms regarding the approach to euthanasia in belgium.
1248 wordsRead More - Euthanasiaopinionated essayThere are two different types of euthanasia: active and passive. Passive euthanasia involves withholding medical treatment from a patient whose chances for surviving are nonexistent. This method mostly applies to a patient who is living of a machine. In order to stop the person's suffering the family decides to remove life support equipment. Another example that would be considered to be passive euthanasia is stopping medications. In other words passive euthanasia allows nature to take its course. This is the most popular form of euthanasia because it is legal.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they will focus on the legal aspect of this issue in contemporary america and discuss two different types of euthanasia.
- Explains that euthanasia refers to an intentional termination of a patient's life to end his or her suffering. the question is whether the "mercy killings" should be legalized or banned.
- Explains that there are two different types of euthanasia: active and passive.
- Explains that active euthanasia involves more direct and controversial actions by the doctors, such as administering lethal injection, in response to a request from the patient to end his life.
- Explains that active euthanasia is still illegal in oregon, the only state that permits doctor assistant suicide for terminally ill patients.
- Narrates how their grandfather was diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago. he was healthy and had never had any health problems before.
- Opines that euthanasia should be legalized for terminally ill people who want to live a pain-filled life or have an easy death.
- Opines that religious groups are the biggest opponents of euthanasia. they believe that nobody has a right to take away life from another human being.
- Argues that the idea that doctors are going to abuse euthanasia is called slippery slope. hitler used "mercy killing" to get rid of the sick, disabled, and mentally retarded people in his society.
- Explains that anti-euthanasia groups claim that the driving force behind the first 15 legalized assisted suicides wasn't uncontrollable pain, but rather a desire for personal control over life's end.
- Explains that advocates of the anti-euthanasia movement claim that since oregon state health commission added assisted suicide to its list of services under oregon health plan, low-income families will now be paid by tax payers.
- Opines that health care plans are willing to pay for active euthanasia because it is cheaper than prolonged care services. this crisis existed before the passage of the "death with dignity act."
- Opines that euthanasia is incomplete without mentioning a parallel between it and abortion, since both revolve around personal choice.
- Predicts that euthanasia will be legalized in the united states. the first step, which is usually the hardest one, already took place in oregon.
1326 wordsRead More - Free Euthanasia and Doctor-Assisted Suicide Essay - Assisted Suicideexplanatory essay* Passive, indirect or negative euthanasia: ambiguous. Can be the decision by patient, parent or guardian and physician to withhold or withdraw extraordinary means of sustaining or prolonging life, such as deciding against high-risk surgery for a patient dying of cancer or kidney failure. When the intent is not to cause death but rather to reject extraordinary treatment, this results in the acceptance of death or continued life, whichever occurs, but it is not true euthanasia. The terms "passive," "indirect" or "negative euthanasia" should not be used since they play into the hands of euthanasia advocates by confusing legitimate actions with euthanasia, thereby desensitizing people to the fact that euthanasia is killing. More importantly, passive euthanasia is sometimes defined by others as the withholding of lifesaving treatment with the intention and result of causing the patient's death. This is the equivalent to active, direct euthanasia.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the purpose of this essay is to inform readers clearly and coherently about the terms and issues in the euthanasia debate so they can make sense of the issue. descriptions are in relatively simple, non-technical language.
- Explains that the concept of euthanasia proposed by adherents of the movement is complex and has profound consequences for all. since the subject involves the discipline of medicine and law, the general public will have difficulty understanding it.
- Explains byrn, robert m., "compulsory lifesaving treatment for the competent adult," fordham law review, volume 44, october 1, 1975.
- Explains that euthanasia is an easy, painless death, but it's not true.
- Explains that active, direct or positive euthanasia is forbidden by law, and by most doctors and theologians. killing patients by withdrawing food and fluids is not forbidden as such by medicine, theology or law.
- Explains that suicide is the act and intent of a person to cause death to himself by direct killing or by withholding or withdrawing ordinary means.
- Explains that suicide is an unnatural violation of the rules of self-preservation, and a breach of god's commandment, "thou shalt not kill."
- Explains that aiding and abetting suicides is legal in many states. preventing another from committing suicide by the use of reasonable force is also legal.
994 wordsRead More - The Euthanasia Debateanalytical essayThere are many different point of views on Euthanasia and whether or not it should be legalized. Many believe that since it is our bodies and our lives, we have the right to choose when we no longer want to live. On the other hand, there are great amounts of people who believe that euthanasia is considered murder and is not ethical. “One thing on which we all agree is that there is a true national crisis that surrounds the way Americans are dying” (Dr. Ira Byock.) The purpose of this paper is not to support either side, rather this paper will discuss what euthanasia really is, the past of euthanasia, and both the positive and negative sides of euthanasia.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the purpose of this paper is not to support either side, but to discuss what euthanasia really is.
- Explains that euthanasia is the act or practice of killing someone who is very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering.
- Argues that euthanasia is a rejection of the importance and value of human life.
- Argues that euthanasia is a libertarian movement for human freedom and the right of choice, or an aggressive drive to exterminate the weak, old, and different.
- Explains baklinski, thaddeus, "lifesitenews mobile | shock study: organs harvested from euthanized patients make better transplants."
- Explains euthanasia suicide mercy-killing right-to-die physician assisted suicid living wills research.
- Explains sgreccia, bishop, "euthanasia and children: the economic factor | zenit - the world seen from rome."
- Argues that euthanasia is the last resort for patients who are in critical pain, terminally ill, and no longer wants to suffer.
908 wordsRead More - Argumentative Essay On Euthanasia Vs Murderopinionated essayDeath. This is not a topic that many people are comfortable discussing. It is such an uncomfortable topic to discuss because regardless if death is brought upon through natural death, murder, suicide, or even euthanasia, it brings upon such a wide variety of emotions to those affected that I believe no one can grow accustomed to. Stemming from this, we get into the debate of euthanasia vs. murder vs. suicide, and the ethics behind the three. Before considering the differences between the them, we should first be able to define ethics and morals. Nowadays, these two terms can be considered very similar, and are said to be the sort of principles that decide a person’s behavior and actions. Ethics and morals play a big role when discussing these topics, as people are quick to argue that euthanasia and murder can be considered the same. Through this paper, I will argue their differences, and how most aspects of euthanasia can be considered morally different and better than murder. Additionally, my perspective of how suicide compares and differs to these two will also be introduced.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that death is not a topic that many people are comfortable discussing. they argue that euthanasia and murder can be considered morally different and better than murder.
- Explains euthanasia, murder, suicide, and suicidal killing. they explain that they must understand each of them to discuss their similarities and differences.
- Explains that euthanasia is divided into three categories: voluntary, involuntary, and non-voluntarily.
- Opines that religion influences the ethical and moral guidelines that people follow. they believe that voluntary euthanasia is morally better than murder.
- Analyzes how the catholic church influences the morals of individuals on their perspective of suicide. they see multiple perspectives on how suicide differs from euthanasia and murder.
- Opines that euthanasia for terminally ill people when there is potential for a cure is selfish and immoral.
- Opines that euthanasia, murder, and suicide are not easy areas of discussion. morals and ethical values leave us with our own interpretation of what we believe to be right and wrong. suicide shows some similarities to the two, but ultimately, it can be set aside into another category of its own.
1482 wordsRead More - Frankensteinanalytical essay“Introduction to Frankenstein” The ethical debate concerning biotechnological exploration into genetic cloning has created a monster in itself. A multitude of ethical questions arises when considering the effect of creating a genetically engineered human being. Does man or science have the right to create life through unnatural means? Should morality dictate these technological advancements and their effects on society? The questions and concerns are infinite, but so to are the curiosities, which continue to perpetuate the advancement of biotechnological science.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the ethical debate regarding biotechnological exploration into genetic cloning has created a monster in itself.
- Analyzes mary shelley's "frankenstein" as a bioethical exhortation for technological advances in genetic cloning. mary prophetically illustrates the potential hazards of breaking through the barrier that separates man from god.
- Analyzes how victor frankenstein illustrates the path of destruction scientists can create when ignoring their moral community.
- Analyzes victor's fatal flaw of egotism in that he has forgotten the bond of his relationship with nature and to people. his absence of moral judgments is the catalyst for what becomes the demise of the creature, society and ironically himself.
- Analyzes how the creation of frankenstein illustrates the embodied consequences of our own actions.
- Analyzes how mary shelley suggested to society that they could all become victims of scientists like frankenstein who unnaturally and unknowingly create potential monsters.
- Opines that the bioethical dilemma that haunted victor frankenstein in mary shelley's work of fiction has ironically found its way into modern science. geneticists are now on the verge of extracting the secret of creating life from human dna specimens.
- Explains that the golden rule states and suggests that we should treat each person as an individual rather than as a means to some end.
- Opines that mary shelley was a woman before her time and had the courage to create another living being out of electricity and chemicals. a down-to-earth, or more logical, ethic must be adopted at the expense of individual freedoms.
1045 wordsRead More - Euthanasia: An Ethical Dilemmaanalytical essayThe ethical debate regarding euthanasia dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was the Hippocratic School (c. 400B.C.) that eliminated the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide from medical practice. Euthanasia in itself raises many ethical dilemmas – such as, is it ethical for a doctor to assist a terminally ill patient in ending his life? Under what circumstances, if any, is euthanasia considered ethically appropriate for a doctor? More so, euthanasia raises the argument of the different ideas that people have about the value of the human experience.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the hippocratic school eliminated the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide from medical practice.
- Explains that ezekial emanuel asserts that the ethical belief in the 19th and 20th century in america are reminiscent of those today, both in terms of content and ferocity.
- Analyzes how the rise of managed care, the increase of health care costs, and the growing number of uninsured patients put economic and political pressures on individuals and governments to find a cost-containment resolution.
- Explains that oregon voters passed the oregon death with dignity act in 1994, which exempted physicians from civil or criminal liability for dispensed or prescribing a lethal dose of drugs upon the request of the terminally ill patient.
- Explains that the lack of consensus in american society on the ethical question of euthanasia may be attributed to the complexity and gravity of the issue.
- Invites readers to study the ethical questions related to the modern issue of euthanasia.
- Explains that contemporary discussion of euthanasia has not centered mainly on ethics, but on help to commit suicide and the direct killing of another person for compassionate motives.
- Argues that euthanasia is ethically wrong and should not be permitted, despite the conditions of the specific case.
- Explains that the debate about euthanasia has drawn so little from its rich history, from plato and aristotle in ancient greece to augustine and thomas aquinas in the middle ages.
- Explains that in ancient greece, euthanasia was not practiced, and suicide itself was generally disfavored. some greek philosophers argued that suicide was ethically acceptable under exceptional circumstances.
- Analyzes how plato's determination of whether suicide may be a viable course of action without measuring an individual’s desire to live or die was critical. the republic asserts that no actions should be taken to extend the life of severely ill individuals.
- Compares stoics of the later hellenistic and roman eras with present-day supporters of a right to euthanasia.
- Explains that early jewish and christian philosophers opposed euthanasia as conflicting with the human good and with responsibilities to god.
- Analyzes how locke, kant, and other philosophers opposed euthanasia on philosophical rather than religious grounds.
- Explains that euthanasia has become the center of legal disputes nationwide. in washington v. glucksberg, the supreme court unanimously ruled that a right to assistance in committing suicide was not protected under the due process clause.
- Explains that the supreme court ruled that attorney general could not enforce the federally controlled substance act against physicians who prescribed drugs for use in assisted suicides.
- Describes the main sources of information, including the pa. cons. stat. 2505.
- Analyzes gonzalez v. oregon, 546 u.s. 243 (2006). markwell, end of life: a catholic view, lancet, vol. 366, september 24, 2005.
- Describes the cases of michigan v. kevorkian, plato, de re publica, gr., ausz, roe, wade, and aquinas.
1817 wordsRead More - Persuasive Speech Against Euthanasianarrative essayImagine being debilitated and in crippling amounts of pain for years on end Although this topic represents a difficult moral and ethical minefield, if proper safeguards are in place, where people must select their preferences regarding euthanasia before the occurrence of an incapacitating disease and extremely severe consequences for people who try to abuse the system of euthanasia, then we can eliminate all the relevant arguments presented by the opposition. This means that there are no logical reasons as to why we shouldn’t respect a person’s right to their own life, and to do with it what they please.
In this essay, the author
- Narrates how valery joy brooks suffered from an aneurysm of the frontal and temporal lobes that left her completely paralysed except for autonomous movements such as breathing and blinking.
- Explains that euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.
- Opines that euthanasia is an absolute guarantee that you can pass in peace. it can be done via lethal injection, the peaceful suicide pill, drinking nembutal, and certain ingestions of carbon monoxide gases.
- Asks why australians don't have the right to choose who lives or dies — 85% support the legalisation of assisted suicide, yet the bill is nowhere near becoming an act.
927 wordsRead More