Immanuel Kant's Views on Dying Process - Essay Example

Immanuel Kant's (1724-1804) Views on the Role of Family in the Dying Process

Like most ethical theories, Kants moral theory attempts to describe how the wrongness or rightness of an action can be determined. The theory is different from the rest in the sense that, any action or deed prohibited should remain as such regardless of any amount of happiness that could result from it (Kant, 2013). Kant argues that one should understand their moral duty or obligation and therefore base all their actions on it and not the consequences. Regarding death and particularly the question of euthanasia, Kants stand was clear and non-contradictory. Kant believed that death should occur naturally, and that everyone has the moral duty to maintain the sanctity of life should (Kozlova, 2015). Therefore, no one, including members of the family is allowed to make decisions that could result in death. This is regardless of any possibility that the decision regards an individual who is suffering, as is the case with euthanasia. The role of family members from Kants view is to help each other fight to the last breath and die out naturally.

From Kants ethical and moral perspective, euthanasia is morally wrong and non-permissible. This is simply because it would have disastrous implications on the very basis upon which life is sanctified. This means that family members should not make decisions about when life should be terminated (Kant, 2013). The family therefore has an obligation to sustain each others life by making decisions that prolong it, this should also be the case for family members suddenly rendered unproductive, or who fall victim to agonizing situations that leave them and the family suffering.

Immanuel Kant's (1724-1804) Views on Physician Assisted Death

Kants perspective on the moral basis for any action is different from most theorists who stand as proponents of euthanasia, or who could support physician-assisted death in dire circumstances. To establish the morality of an action, Kant recommends that the fulfillment of ones duty be the basis, and that consequences should not form the ground for decision making in such circumstances (Kant, 2013). The Kantian perspective also places the roles of the physician in context concerning the question of death and the morality surrounding the end of life.

According to Kant, the thinking and rationale behind a physicians decision-making should be universally applicable and not fit for the immediate circumstance. With respect to the physician profession, it is globally accepted that the role of a physician includes promotion of life and facilitation of quick recovery from illness and pain in particular (Kozlova, 2015). In other words, these are the duties of a physician. According to Kant, the physician should uphold these duties regardless of the situation surrounding them.

From the Kantian perspective, physician-assisted death is morally incorrect and should be avoided since it goes against the moral obligations that are universally accepted by physicians. Before ending the life of a suffering patient, physicians should ask themselves whether they are within their duty and if the decision would be universally applicable without bringing chaos in the society (Kozlova, 2015). Kants view on physician assisted death is therefore dismissive, which means that acts of euthanasia are equally unethical and morally unacceptable (Kant, 2013). Physicians are therefore expected to fulfill their duties while adhering to their moral obligations, as such, patients undergoing extreme pain and suffering should be kept under treatment and on their path to recovery.

References

Kant, I. (2013). On the metaphysics of morals and ethics. Simon and Schuster.

Kozlova, A. (2015). Kant and Mill on Physician-Assisted Suicide. Retrieved from: http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1183/kant-and-mill-on-physician-assisted-suicide