In the article "The Right to Die", Patrick Nowell-Smith addresses the moral issue of euthanasia.

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Introduction to Applied Ethics

2004SU-AK/PHIL 2075 Q

Team Instructor: Carol Bigwood

Article: The Right to Die, By Patrick Nowell-Smith

Name: Artie Anica Sawh

Student #: 204071510

Phone: 416-738-3865

Bibilography

  1. Cragg, Wesley. Koggel, Christine M. Contemporary Moral Issues 5th edition. Canada: National Library of Canada Cataloguing in Publication.
  2. Nowell-Smith, Patrick. The Right to Die. In Contemporary Moral Issues 5th edition. Pages 32-39. Canada: ICUS and Paragon House Publishers.
  3. Crystal, Ellie. Copyright  1995 – 2004 .

Part A: The Summary

“ The Right to Die” By Patrick Nowell Smith

Written By: Artie Anica Sawh

 In the article "The Right to Die", Patrick Nowell-Smith addresses the moral issue of euthanasia. He discusses the idea of its legalization in order to give people the right to choose if, how and when they want to die, in the same manner that they have the right to live. The general purpose of this article is to advance and promote the grounds for legalizing euthanasia within the Canadian realm.

Nowell-Smith introduces the argument by dividing it into two reoccurring subjects, “active” and “passive” euthanasia, he also takes this concept further with the distinction between “voluntary” and “involuntary” euthanasia.

It is appropriate to begin this summary with a brief understanding of these definitions. First, the practical moral issue surrounding euthanasia, is concerned with whether it is morally permissible for a person to end the life of another person who chooses to die. Active euthanasia is deemed the ‘killing’ of a person, however, if you let them die, it is referred to as passive euthanasia. Voluntary euthanasia is “at the request or consent of the person(Nowell-Smith,p32)” and involuntary, then refers to the loss or lack of consent.

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Nowell-Smith puts forward the issue of whether or not a person holds the right to die when he or she want and how he or she want to, especially when suffering from a disease and being kept alive by the ‘inhumane’ processes of modern medicine. He also indicates that the most unproblematic and painless ways of dying would require assistance, and in that, persons who are ill may be restricted in making the choice of whether or not to live, with no help from others. Having said this, Nowell-Smith thinks that is people require assistance in committing suicide than the ...

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