(1) In his paper, “Is There a Duty to Die?” John Hardwig argues that some patients have a duty to die. According to Hardwig, who has a duty to die? What is his argument for this claim? Do you think his argument works? Why or why not?
Due to medical advances over the last several decades, the life expectancy has greatly increased, but people are unable to care for themselves. Hardwig believes that at some point everyone has a duty to die (under certain circumstances). Hardwig claims that if we are ill, debilitated, dependent, and unable to care for ourselves and are imposing burdens on other (personally, financially, and/or emotionally) by continuing to live, then we do have a duty to die. He claims that choosing to live knowing well that you are a burden on your loved ones is a selfish act.
He presents the Captain Oates’ scenario as an example. Captain Oates and his crew were stranded, with minimal supplies, during an expedition to the South Pole and Captain Oates had become very ill. Captain Oates was aware that his crew would not leave him behind. When a blizzard
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It can be stretched as far as, the patient’s right to life is held at a lower value than the interests of others. Hardwig’s argument unleashes many controversial acts that could take place if a “duty to die” is morally permissible. This would include, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, abuse (at the hands of care givers and/or family members). Having a duty to die cannot be morally permissible in the case of someone born with a disability. They cannot care for themselves; it can sometimes be a strain on their families financially as well. But does that mean they have a duty to die; should a family member be allowed to “kill” the disabled persons? It is