| Abstract [eng] |
Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory of ethics that is in favor of euthanasia. Based on this theory, an action is deemed morally right if its consequences are more favorable than unfavorable to everyone involved. However, the arguments this theory is based upon are assessed ambiguously. Even in cases of voluntary euthanasia, the right of the final decision is given to another person, i.e. the attending physician performing euthanasia. At this point, the utilitarian ideas and medical ethics clash and seem to be incompatible. The object of the research is the attitude towards euthanasia in utilitarian ethics. The goal of the study is to analyze the attitude towards euthanasia in utilitarian ethics. The following research methods are employed: analysis of scientific literature and documents, semi-structured interview, content analysis. The paper presents an analysis of the problem of euthanasia in modern society and the principles of moral evaluation of utilitarian actions. The empirical research of the opinion of physicians on the topic of euthanasia in health care institutions of Vilnius City revealed that 6 respondents out of 15 voted for legalization of euthanasia in Lithuania, 4 of them had no particular opinion and the remaining 5 physicians were against legalization of euthanasia. Possible legal regulation problems and abusing the law were among the key arguments of the respondents who were against the legalization of euthanasia in Lithuania. The respondents had differing attitudes towards participation in euthanasia. Some point-blank refused to take part in physician-assisted suicide due to their moral attitudes and values while others agreed to perform euthanasia, provided that the process would bring more benefits than harm. The majority of the respondents admitted having encountered certain situations when they thought euthanasia to be the best solution for their patient. More than half of the respondents would personally choose euthanasia, were they to find themselves in a hopeless situation. The most important factor here is the human right to free will and decision-making. Also, more than half of the respondents would permit the patient’s relative to perform euthanasia, if any such permission or approval was needed. None of the 15 respondents took part in any public event, such as a discussion, seminar, conference, etc., on the topic of euthanasia or related matters within the last two years. |
