Introduction
In the context of this discourse, it is decided to raise the topic of euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. In applying ethical theories to this concept, it is necessary to note the conflict of the two main most appropriate ethical theories, relativism and egoism, paying more attention to the latter, as it is more significant in this context. As a consequence of the conflict between the individual’s moral norms and environment, the fundamental question of ethical relevance and correctness of the situation arises, and the final judgment depends on the position of attitude toward the situation.
Discussion
To begin with, we can consider the egoistic ethical theory, which assumes that any moral judgments are made solely in accordance with the interests of the individual. On the basis of such basic concepts, the decision to euthanize a person can be made on his own because he does not wish to endure severe pain (Dathe 101). In addition, the incurability of an illness or an unsatisfactory physical condition provides similar conditions for forming an opinion. That is, in the case of such a desire on the part of the patient, end-of-life assistance is entirely relevant and morally justified. At this point, however, comes the conflict and ambiguity of human thinking in this context.
For many people, especially at an advanced age, the opinions, living conditions and well-being of their children or relatives are much more important than their own. In this format, they really do put the desires of their loved ones first in terms of importance to themselves and turn them into selfish aspirations. Part of this can be explained by relativistic theory, but not entirely. Even if the patient’s entire kin are members of a culture that does not accept medical help in ending suffering, the situation is ambiguous. There can be no theory capable of exclusively describing the decision-making factors in the behavioral patterns of people confronted with such a situation.
The ultimate decision-making, in any case, is left to the people directly involved in the situation. The duality of ethical theory can be discarded, and the typical example of a situation is explained solely from the egoistic side to give an example. For example, a person with an incurable illness may selfishly seek to approach death in order to end his suffering or to place the well-being of his children above all else (Dathe 103). The patient may refuse euthanasia because of an egoistic lust for life or an egoistic belief in the inability of his relatives to exist without him.
Accordingly, the relatives’ consent or disagreement can likewise be easily explained by selfishness. The relatives’ unwillingness to die is most often a manifestation of such a quality, that is, a manifestation of pity for their existence without the person with whom it is convenient to live. On the other hand, desire is stimulated by more profound signs of egoistic thinking and has the meaning of enriching or facilitating one’s own life at the expense of the death of a relative.
Conclusion
Thus, it is possible to justify the factors contributing to the desire for euthanasia by people or their relatives through the ethical theory of selfishness. Each decision is made based on personal preferences or consideration of shared interests with loved ones. However, it should not be forgotten that each decision on this plane is purely personal and cannot be made public, judged or discussed because of the subtlety of the issue.
Works Cited
Dathe, Tracy, et al. “Ethical Theories.” Management for Professionals, Springer International Publishing, 2022, pp. 95–106. Web.