Kim

Lilian Kim

Miss Finch

English 9 Honors

28 May 2002

“Euthanasia”

        Euthanasia derives from the Greek for “good death,” but in today’s world, different people whose viewpoints are influenced by religion, other people, and morals, perceive euthanasia differently.  The history of euthanasia dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.  In those times, putting people to death was considered allowable in some situations. (Beauchamp, 1)  For example in the ancient Greek city of Sparta, strength was the highest priority because Sparta was a military city-state.  Therefore if weak, severely defected babies were born, they were put to death.  In several ancient societies, voluntary euthanasia was acceptable for the elderly.  As time went on, polytheism declined and began to fade away.  In it’s place, Christianity took over.  Christians found euthanasia to be ethically and morally wrong, and also a violation of God’s gift of life.  Due to these new viewpoints, euthanasia became less and less common and was not practiced as much. (Beauchamp, 2)  There are many viewpoints on this subject of matter.  These opposing viewpoints will be discussed throughout the paper.

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There are many different types of euthanasia.  First off, the general definition of euthanasia is the intentional killing of another person by act of negligence of a dependent human being for his or her own benefit. (World Book Encyclopedia, 421)   There are many more definitions of different types of euthanasia that branch off this one general definition.  One is Voluntary euthanasia, which is when the person who is killed asked to be killed.  Opposing that is involuntary euthanasia, which is when the person who is killed doesn’t, or is unable or incapable of giving consent or permission.  An example ...

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