Browsing by Author "Joseph, Cameron Albert"

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    On the moral permissibility of active, voluntary, physician-administered euthanasia
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-11) Joseph, Cameron Albert; Van Niekerk, Anton A. ; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy. Applied Ethics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Voluntary Physician-Administered Euthanasia (VPAE) is currently illegal in many countries including the Republic of South Africa. Most proponents of VPAE argue for its permissibility by reference to either a respect for autonomy or acting in the patient’s best interest. In this paper I have argued that none of these arguments are solely sufficient to make the case for VPAE. Rather, viewing them as equally important and necessary conditions which rise to the level of justification for VPAE is a more tenable solution to the moral dilemma at hand. Objections related to the Dualistic View, palliative care, slippery slope arguments, the doctrine of double effect and issues relating to the right to life raise important considerations with regards to the practice of VPAE. Whilst these objections serve as prudent safeguards on the practice of VPAE, none of them ultimately rise to the level of a convincing rebuttal to the argument in favour of VPAE. As such, I believe that the arguments outlined in this paper favour the moral permissibility of VPAE. It is my hope that a recognition of the moral permissibility of this practice will spur both the legislature and the judiciary in South Africa to strongly reconsider the current prohibition of VPAE.