Euthanasia; An Ethical Challenge
Vigeland, Kari: Original Norwegian title:The only thing we all know for certain is that we are going to die. What we do not know is how and when. Even though death is, in many ways, still a subject shrouded in taboos in our culture, what most people today fear more than death itself, is that the end will be drawn out and characterised by helplessness and meaningless suffering. Where does one draw the line between a meaningful life and one that is not? What type of ideology and world view dominates among those interest-groups who argue for the right to die rather than for respect of the sacredness of life? When is it morally responsible to help someone to die, and who should decide the criteria?
The debate about euthanasia does not only take place among professionals within the fields of philosophy, bio-ethics, medicine, psychiatry and theology. The way in which we die is important to people at large.
Kari Vigeland describes and sums up this debate which is of great concern to us all, and she does so from the perspective of the professional by drawing on examples taken from individual court cases in Norway and other European countries. Euthanasia is an emotional and complex subject. Vigeland looks at different kinds of euthanasia, passive or negative euthanasia (withdrawal of treatment), active or positive euthanasia (assisted suicide), voluntary euthanasia or alternatively giving treatment for pain that has the effect of shortening life.
Her intention is to deal with the most important points of view and arguments in the national and international debate, with particular emphasis on active euthanasia. Passive euthanasia has been less controversial even though the author herself feels that this is an area where further debate and clarification is necessary.
The Netherlands is the only country in the Western world where active euthanasia is practiced openly without agents being sued in accordance with the Penal Code. Vigeland asks: What experiences can be drawn from the Dutch example? Can conclusions of a general nature be drawn from these? How do those actively involved in euthanasia view their own participation? These and other experiences are the foundation for Vigeland's ethical theoretical formula and her choice of a practical action related consistency following on from the different choices made.
We are presented with an in-depth and thoughtful contribution to a debate often dominated by the simplification of the mass media, or theories concerned with the more scientific aspects of the problem. Vigeland does not take sides, she seeks to give us a more sober overview, as well as to present us with the deeply existential questions linked to religion and philosophy of life that will always follow in the wake of the subject of euthanasia. This is what makes this a unique book covering an emotionally laden and controversial field.
First published: 1996, Universitetsforlaget
Kari Vigeland: Biography and bibliography
