Citation

Benzenhöfer U. MMW Munch. Med. Wochenschr. 1997; 139(51-52): 760-763.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Verlagsgesellschaft OttoSpatz)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Even in ancient times the word euthanasia had several meanings and was used in a number of different contexts. However, the common feature was that this "easy death" was always viewed from the perspective of the affected person. Thus, in antiquity euthanasia did not mean a forced "easy death", not a state measure, above all not killing the sick and handicapped. Against the background of current discussions it must also be noted that none of the antique references described complicity in suicide or killing on request as euthanasia (even if familiarity with the problems associated with suicide is occasionally recognisable). In particular, the term was never referred to in a medical context, for instance as an act performed by a doctor. But perhaps more important than all these findings is the result of the study that "euthanasia" and related concepts in antique texts are almost always an ideal, not a "real" death (the story of the death of Augustus is also stylised). This is especially important for the manner in which the subject is approached today. Many people in modern times hope for "euthanasia" in the sense of a peaceful, painless, easy death. But an ideal cannot provide ethical or legal legitimisation for measures in an area that touches on the fundamental aspects of society (thou shalt not kill) - mentioned here briefly to counter possible abuse of the history of the term euthanasia as understood in antiquity.

Language: de

Keywords

Antiquity; Euthanasia; History