Workshop of the Commission of the European Communities on Ethics of Human Genome analysis: survey of the European discussion.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Disclosure↗
Biomedical subjects
E Zwierlein
Publications and source records attributed to E Zwierlein.
[The quality-of-life doctrine and the sanctity of life].
The term "quality of life" might be used to qualify external circumstances with regard to the life of human beings (A). It also can be used to define the quality of a human life itself (B). Then it replaces the idea of "sanctity of life" by an eugenic idea that can be abused as a notion of discrimination. The B-position implies that life is only an instrument in order to serve a separable purpose (i.e. "the quality of being a person"). This specific quality articulates itself in so-called "indicators of humanhood/personhood". In consequence this "quality" is an eugenic expression including a dangerous power of definition and a selective anthropology that does not seem to be convincing theoretically and that can never serve as the basis of a reasonable and good social life of man.
Ethics, Medical↗
[Comments on the debate about euthanasia].
On the one hand euthanasia raises the question of humane dying (1). On the other side it is connected with the question of "wrongful existence" (2). The ambiguity of the term "human/humane life" might be explained in the following way: in respect of group 1 one might say that nobody is privileged to define materially or pragmatically the one who holds the dignity of man. In consequence no one may be killed because he lacks this type of criteria. Concerning group 2: a) No one may be expected to kill an innocent, defenceless human being; and there does not exist any right of demanding such a thing. b) Everyone has the right to get medicine for lessening pain. c) In case of b) death may not be intended on purpose, but may be accepted as a side-effect of medical treatment. d) Though you can formulate a rule of thumb there will occur tragical dilemmas with regard to cases of coma.
Ethics, Medical↗