Definitional argument-euthanasia Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Definitional argument-euthanasia - Term Paper Example As a result, their meanings become changed, and they are used more frequently in these new contexts. One example of such a concept is that of euthanasia, which has been used negatively for decades in association with Hitler’s Germany. The negative connotations of euthanasia follow the term unjustly, even today as the practice the word refers to becomes more accepted in throughout the world. By looking at some definitions of euthanasia given by others, we can perhaps formulate what is perhaps the most inclusive understanding at the concept. Definitions of euthanasia often depend upon the political and ethical assumptions underlying them. One can choose a staunchly conservative ethical view that emerges out of a Christian ethical system and oppose euthanasia categorically as wrong. Or one can adopt a more liberal stance and view euthanasia as a matter of choice among individuals whether to live or die, which seems to emerge from a utilitarian ethical perspective. Former Surgeon General of the United States C. Everett Koop represents the conservative Christian side of the spectrum in a definition of euthanasia that characterizes it as the ending of a life which is perceived to be devoid of value (Koop). The liberal, or utilitarian, perspective might direct us to a lighter view of the practice, one intimately connected with utility. That definition might be read like: the ending of a life in order to maximize a sufferer’s happiness and minimize suffering (LeBaron). On this view, we engage in euthanasia as a means o f alleviating suffering and as a service to the sufferer’s individual right to choose how one lives or dies. Less politically- or ethically-centric views of euthanasia direct us toward more neutral definitions of the practice. Philosopher Philippa Foot, for instance, wants us to move away from standard dictionary denotations of the word (â€Å"a quiet and easy death†) that she finds