Citation

Biotti-Mache F. Etudes sur la Mort 2017; 150(2): 17-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017)

DOI

10.3917/eslm.150.0017

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

From an historical and etymological perspective, the origins of the term 'euthanasia' do not go back to Ancient Greek. The Greeks had both an adverb, verb and noun designating what they referred to as a gentle, graceful death, but without the restrictive meaning commonly conferred today, involving the intervention of a third party. And yet, Classical Antiquity was no stranger to suicide as a form of euthanasia. The latter went on to become illegal and was condemned for many years, with judaism, Christianity and Islam all sharing the same absolute respect for human life given by God. It was not until the Enlightenment that the word euthanasia reappeared, and not until the 19th century that medicine and mentalities began to change. Finally, with the advent of the 20th century, society once again had the courage to confront the question of free choice in death for a person no longer able to give their own opinion, and of the implications for their family, but with the most meticulous precautions which only the most explicit vocabulary could express. Today, countries are passing legislation on the question of euthanasia in quick succession, most often under the pressure of public opinion and individual or sociological considerations. The legislation passed is widely differing in nature, as are religious attitudes to the question, unchanged for centuries, bearing witness to the infinitely delicate nature of the matter. Human beings can accept to die, yes, but of a gentle death. © L'Esprit du temps.

Language: fr

Keywords

Aggressive treatment; Euthanasia; Gentle death; Palliative care; Suicide