Explain how Utilitarians might approach euthanasia

Utilitarianism provides a teleological approach, meaning that the outcome of a given situation determines whether the action is right or wrong. Bentham’s hedonic calculus is used to weigh up elements of a situation, for example, how much pain or pleasure is involved and how intense these factors are. A utilitarian would therefore argue that for example, for someone who is fatally ill with a high level of suffering, euthanasia would be permissible, in order to achieve the least amount of pain, even if this results in death.

EL
Answered by Elizabeth L. Philosophy and Ethics tutor

6622 Views

See similar Philosophy and Ethics A Level tutors

Related Philosophy and Ethics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Assess the view that religious experience provides convincing proof of the existence of God (12 marks)


How can I improve my philosophical essay writing?


Explore key ideas about the existence of God in the Ontological Argument. (2017 Edexcel exam question)


What exactly is utilitarianism, I thought the aim of all philosophy was to make us happy?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning