Reference no: EM131846388

Question: Part 1: 1. Hardwig seems to believe that both the right and the duty to die are a matter of compassion. Explain this. Do you think he has a point?

2. Are any of the reasons on Hardwig's list of conditions under which one might prefer not to live also on your list?

3. Explain the reasons why Hardwig says he cannot understand religious beliefs about ending life?

4. What "individualistic fantasy" does Hardwig discuss, and what is its significance with respect to the duty to die?

5. How many factors does Hardwig consider might have an impact on the "duty to die?" How many of them are factors that make the duty more compelling? Of those, which do you think is the most/least convincing? Explain.

6. What are Hardwig's (3) reasons for asserting that unassisted suicide should not be the only means by which one could perform this duty?

7. What are Hardwig's (2) reasons for asserting that family assisted suicide is also not a sufficient option?

8. What are Hardwig's (4) arguments supporting that physician assisted suicide is a necessary option?

9. According to Hardwig, what (4) factors contribute to making the duty to die such a troubling problem? Do you think he makes a good points?

Part 2: 1. What is the difference between the two questions Velleman says are distinct from each other in the second paragraph of the article?

2. When Velleman opposes a legally protected right to euthanasia, does that mean he believes no one is ever entitled to assistance in dying?

3. Why does Velleman want to dissociate himself from arguments usually offered to support an obligation to facilitate some deaths?

4. Explain the two different concepts of dignity Velleman discusses, and why he supports one one rather than the other.

5. Explain the two different concepts of autonomy Velleman discusses, and why he supports one one rather than the other.

6. Why does Velleman say that the very conditions which make euthanasia permissible compromise the very dignity that euthanasia allegedly is supposed to protect? Do you agree?

7. What seemingly paradoxical claim does Velleman make about people who request euthanasia? (Hint: the key concept here is dignity)

8. What are the four examples Velleman uses to illustrate the idea that having options can actually make one worse off? Chose the one you feel you understand the best, and explain it. Doe he make a good case?

9. In your own words, explain Velleman's reason for thinking that presenting patients with the option of euthanasia makes them worse off.

10. What is paternalism, and why does Velleman claim that it would be wrong to label his argument as paternalistic?

11. What is Velleman's position on the moral and legal status of euthanasia? Would you say it is more like Hooker's or more like Beauchamp's? Explain.