1. To be able to identify and analyze the conceptual issues involved
in the discussions of assisted suicide.
2. To be able to assess the moral arguments on both sides of the issue
of assisted suicide.
3. To become familiar with the legal status of physician-assisted suicide.
4. To identify alternatives to the practice of assisted suicide.
5. To become sensitized to the agony and the isolation which accompanies
assisted suicide decisions.
6. To be able to formulate an ethical position on assisted suicide.
Prerequisite: Phl 315 or Rel 357 either completed or in progress.
Requirements:
1. Do the readings assigned.
Text: Beauchamp, TL. Intending Death: The Ethics of Assisted Suicide
and Euthanasia. Supplemental Readings: listed under "Readings" and found on library
reserve or ereserve.
2. Respond to the "Questions for Response"
on the web page (one paragraph is sufficient).
3. Attend three (3) seminars [one held at the beginning, one at the
middle, and one at the end of the term] to be scheduled.
4. Write a seven-ten page paper on Physician-Assisted Suicide; paper
is due no later than April 16, 2002 [paper is to be submitted by e-mail]
. The paper should integrate the concepts found in the readings and should
take the form of an argument by the student either in favor of or against
(strict or modified) physician-assisted suicide.
5. Reflect periodically on the "Questions
for Consideration."
