Assisted Dying: Whose Soul?

Last Updated: July 17, 2014By

Another viewpoint on ‘assisted dying’, posted to encourage thought on the subject.

latest video

news via inbox

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

5 Comments

  1. John Dowdle July 17, 2014 at 4:02 pm - Reply

    There is no such thing as “god” or “soul”.
    There is only us human beings in this.
    From my rationalist perspective, that simplifies the present “debate”.
    This should be an individual decision; not one forced, coerced or inflicted on anyone.
    This is why there should be safeguards such as at least two medical practitioners certifying that the person requesting personal termination is of sound mind and is not pressurised in any way in making the request for termination.
    I too have reservations about the mindset of this government but – if anything – it is that they seem to have an inordinate number of religious lunatics in their midst – look into the background of the new education and equalities secretary.
    I don’t think she is any improvement on Gove – indeed, probably the reverse.
    There is a certain degree of hysteria surrounding this matter, with some people drawing parallels with Nazi Germany and their involuntary euthansia programmes.
    This is not – and never will be – Nazi Germany and this UK government is not – and never will be – a Nazi government.
    We all need to return to a sense of proportion on this matter and try to be rational about it.

    • Mike Sivier July 17, 2014 at 9:21 pm - Reply

      Bear in mind that it is only your belief that there is no god or soul. Other people have different ideas and you may not force yours on them.
      Your comments on parallels between the Coalition government and Nazis are inconsistent with the evidence; while Cameron’s lot may not appear as extreme as the Nazis, there are far too many similarities for comfort.

      • John Dowdle July 17, 2014 at 11:20 pm - Reply

        The non-existence of gods and souls is not a matter of belief; it is a matter of fact.
        Whipping up hysteria with allegations of UK Nazism is improper and inappropriate.
        The evidence from those US states and European countries where assisted euthanasia is permitted indicate to me that there suicide levels have reduced.
        Ultimately, ending one’s life should be a matter of choice for individuals.
        Religious dogma and other forms of irrationalism should have no part to play in it.

        • Mike Sivier July 18, 2014 at 12:27 am - Reply

          Hm. It seems to me that I should let readers base their opinion of your comment on your own refusal to accept that people may hold any viewpoint on religion other than your own.
          Shakespeare’s comment about the world containing more things than are dreamt of in your philosophy springs to mind.

  2. Thomas M July 17, 2014 at 5:59 pm - Reply

    Whilst there may be cases where euthanasia may well be justified…

    1-With this government in power, now is not the time to bring it in, as they are being so unpleasant to the disabled. If euthanasia was brought in, they might stop all services to the disabled except for euthanasia.

    2-Would voluntary euthanasia truly stay voluntary?

Leave A Comment