Zasada podwójnego skutku i zasada moralnej symetrii a kwestia legalizacji eutanazji [Principles of Double Effect and Moral Symmetry and Legalization of Euthanasia]

Abstract

In this essay I scrutinize importance of Principles of Double Effect and MoralSymmetry in regard to the question of moral acceptance of euthanasia legalization.My conclusion is that although there is no substantially moral difference betweenpassive and active euthanasia, the problem of morally justifiable legalization ofeuthanasia is still not resolved. That is because some reasons suggest the possibilityof special discrepancy between moral acceptability of euthanasia in certain cases andmoral demand to preserve legal prohibition of euthanasia in general. In the paperI criticize the popular opinion that utilitarianism cannot account of why we giveweight to the question of moral permissibility of intentions. I claim that contraryto this false platitude utilitarianism can even accommodate practical relevance ofPrinciple of Double Effect, but not as a valid per se principle.

Keywords

• euthanasia
• intention
• legalization
• Principle of Double Effect
• Principle of Moral Symmetry
• utilitarianism