Problem
Given the following position on euthanasia (doctor-assisted suicide), identify which of the three major ethical theories discussed in the text- utilitarianism, duty theory, or virtue ethics-it follows. Note that each theory may encompass several possible viewpoints on an issue.
Active euthanasia should not be legalized; it is much too dangerous. The consequences could be devastating to our society. If we allow terminally ill people access to euthanasia, what guarantees do we have that such access won't be abused? It would be easy to imagine greedy relatives insisting that it is better for Grandma to die sooner than linger in pain, or to imagine Grandma choosing to die sooner so she won't cost the family; lot of money. Overall, access to euthanasia may cause terrible unhappiness.