[Euthanasia and the paradox in delegation of life assessment].
Active euthanasia, a question of individual existence, fundamentally concerns the concept of human society. Although legalizing voluntary euthanasia seems to be consequent in liberal democracy, delegation of the act of homicide leads to a paradox in liberalism: Generalization in the assessment of individual life--as it is necessary in such a context--undermines the fundamental right of the individual for social existence irrespective of any assessment whatsoever. This is reflected by the humanistic principle of human dignity as it has been described by Kant. Conventional jurisdiction, which permits passive and indirect euthanasia but prosecutes active homicide, avoids this fundamental problem. Nevertheless it facilitates a humane demise within the framework of adequate hospice care.
Moeschl
Peter
P
2. Chirurgische Abteilung, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Wien, Osterreich.
D005065:Euthanasia / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006708:Homicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006738:Hospices; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D019369:Life