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

7139 Views

See similar Philosophy and Ethics A Level tutors

Related Philosophy and Ethics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how a follower of Natural Law might respond to issues raised by Abortion


What is a valid argument?


What is deontology and how is it different from utilitarianism?


Explain Aquinas’ Natural Law Theory


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning