Citation

Engelhardt HT. Hastings Cent. Rep. 1989; 19(1): S7-9.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Institute of Society, Ethics and the Life Sciences)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11650126

Abstract

The question is explored of whether the state may stop competent individuals from being voluntarily euthanatized, now that the state's power is justified by reason instead of divine right. The challenge of determining a moral and political agenda which reason would endorse is analyzed in relation to the philosophical question: who may effectively constrain others so as to impose a particular view of the good life and the good death? And why? The right to euthanasia is established negatively in a pluralist, secular society not because we agree that it is good, but because where there is no justification for state authority to intervene coercively, individuals are morally free to act.

Language: en