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

6320 Views

See similar Philosophy and Ethics A Level tutors

Related Philosophy and Ethics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Evaluate the claim that we are never free to make our own decisions.


What is deontology and how is it different from utilitarianism?


What is Descartes ontological argument for the existence of God?


Critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Kantian Ethics


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences