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Summary Of When Self-Determination Runs Amok

1800 Words8 Pages

In this paper, I will be discussing Daniel Callhan’s essay, When Self-Determination Runs Amok, focusing on both his strongest and weakest arguments within his essay. I will begin by summarizing Callhan’s essay while pointing out how he uses the four principles of bioethics—beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy and justice—to support his claims. Moreover, I will analyze what I believe to be the single strongest argument in Callahan’s essay, his claim that euthanasia can lead to dire consequences. To consider possible objections, I will use Dan W. Brock’s essay, Voluntary Active Euanthasia. Conversely, I will also analyze the single weakest argument in Callahan’s essay, his association of euthanasia with dueling and even slavery— arguing …show more content…

All in all, Brock believes that close monitoring and safeguards could prevent voluntary euthanasia from turning into non-voluntary and protect against laws being potentially abused. On the other hand, I think Callhan’s single weakest argument is his comparison of euthanasia to dueling and slavery, to emphasize the moral connotation of euthanasia. The basis of Callhan’s argument is that just as it is morally wrong for one person to own another or for individuals to have the power to kill each other in a duel, it is equally morally wrong for a person’s life to be handed to another when it comes to euthanasia (Callahan, 683). The main issue with Callahan’s argument is the false equivalency of his analogy— slavery and dueling are historical practices that are regarded as immoral practices as they both involve the exploitation or intentional harm of individuals. Moreover, dueling was outlawed and considered morally unacceptable because it was based on the idea of consenting adults killing one another as a way to overcome disputes and defend their

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