Study Questions

  1. What is the “conventional doctrine” regarding active and passive euthanasia? What reasons are typically given in support of this view? Do you think they are good reasons? Why or why not?
  2. What objections does Rachels raise to the conventional doctrine? Do they succeed in undermining the view? Defend your answer.
  3. Does Rachels think that there is a moral difference between killing and letting die? What reasons does he give for his view? Do you find his position plausible?
Back to top