Chapter 22: Human Development and Aging
Physician-Assisted Euthanasia
In the Point/Counterpoint in Chapter 20, two activists, Rita Marker and Derek Humphry, debate the ethics of physician-assisted suicide. In the text, I asked you to summarize their views and consider which view most closely relates to your view on the subject.
Furthering the Exploration:
To help you evaluate the Web sites and clarify your own opinion, write down your answers to the following questions. Taking an active part in this exercise will help you prepare for discussions in and out of your class. - What new facts, ideas, and viewpoints, if any, did these web sites provide for you? How did they further your understanding of this issue? Be specific.
- Did your examination and analysis of the material affect your support of one of the two viewpoints presented in the text? If so, explain how and why.
- After reading the material, can you think of an alternative position other than those taken by the authors? Explain it.
- Do you think that the information provided by all organizations and individuals at the web sites you visited was reliable and unbiased? How much of the information was scientific? How much was viewpoint based on ethics?
- Reread one essay from a group in favor of physician-assisted suicide and one from a group opposed to it. Underline key words or phrases used to stir the emotions of the reader. What other techniques are used to increase the emotional appeal of each viewpoint?
- List all of the arguments both for and against physician-assisted suicide. Which side of the issue do you feel most comfortable with? Why? What factors affect your views?
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